PDX Live Ignites with Sleater-Kinney’s Electrifying Homecoming
As the sun dipped below the horizon on August 7, 2024, Pioneer Square transformed into a pulsating heart of rock as Sleater-Kinney took to the stage for the first PDX Live concert of the summer. Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton.
The air was thick with anticipation as fans of all ages gathered at The Square, eager to witness the hometown heroes in action. The band did not disappoint, delivering a set that was both a nostalgic nod to their roots and a defiant march forward.
The evening kicked off with a raw, energetic performance by Amyl and the Sniffers, whose punk spirit perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Their gritty riffs and unapologetic presence whipped the crowd into a frenzy, culminating in a mosh pit that seemed to embody the restless spirit of Portland’s music scene.
Sleater-Kinney’s performance was nothing short of a love letter to Portland. The connection between the band and their fans was palpable, with every chord and chorus resonating through The Square like a shared secret. As the first chords of their set rang out, it was a homecoming in the truest sense – a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between a band and the city that helped define them.
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.