About
All About PDX Pop Now!
Our Mission
PDX Pop Now! is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to stimulating and expanding participation in Portland’s music scene. We provide and support live performances and recorded materials that are accessible, current, and local. Our mission is to foster a sustainable, inclusive community that values artistry and encourages creative dialogue between artists and audiences.
Vision
Connecting Portland through the power of music.
Values
- Accessibility → We create free, all-ages, inclusive spaces for people to experience live music.
- Community → We build connections between artists, fans, and partners to strengthen Portland’s music ecosystem.
- Diversity & Equity → We uplift underrepresented voices and work to remove barriers in the music scene.
- Creativity → We celebrate innovation and originality in all its forms.
- Collaboration → We believe in the power of working together — artists, volunteers, and community members alike.
- Sustainability → We commit to practices that keep our organization and community thriving long-term.
PDX Pop Now! Non-Discrimination Policy
PDX Pop Now! does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and providing of services.
About PDX Pop Now!
In 1998, PDX Pop listserv began in true DIY fashion when a few dozen Portland musicians, fans, and writers started a listserv that focused on promoting and discussing the local music scene. In ways it mirrored the collaborative nature of Portland’s music scene; one where cooperation trumped competition and motivation spurred from the question, “How big can this thing get?”
This question inspired the creation of PDX Pop Now! when 14 people envisioned local music emboldened by local recognition, and were driven to ignite it. The idea: that Portland’s self-sustained scene had reached a level deserving of recognition, discovery, enhancement, stimulation, participation, accessibility and—most importantly—celebration! Thus, the PDX Pop Now! music festival was born in 2004.
After producing the third-annual PDX Pop Now! festival, these volunteers decided to turn their labor of love into a lasting legacy. In July of 2007, PDX POP Now! became a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
Now, driven by a dedicated Board of Directors and more than 200 volunteers, we are committed to celebrating, promoting and sustaining Portland’s vital and diverse music community. In harmony with this mission, we also work to connect this diverse music community to the general public through our outreach efforts.
What’s more, PDX Pop Now! works to fulfill this mission in a democratic and accessible way. Often, our productions are curated through a public nomination process and volunteer voting committees, held free of charge and are open to all-ages. By design, these efforts create an enfranchising, welcoming and diverse environment that’s more likely to amplify participation, dynamism and vitality throughout Portland’s music scene.
Each year, our stellar lineup of grassroots events works toward this end. Artists, businesses, and individual volunteers donate time and resources to producing our 2-disc compilation album of local music, benefit events and outreach programs that all lead up to the organization’s annual, signature festival—aptly named, PDX Pop Now!
Mailing address
PDX POP NOW!
P.O. Box 14828
Portland, OR 97293-0828