Wild Child Comes Home: Big Wild’s Tour Finale in Portland
Last week’s Big Wild show at McMenamin’s Edgefield was a fittingly magical end to the venue’s outdoor concert season. Words and photos by Jenny Shackleton.
The day began gray and rainy, but as I drove toward the venue, the clouds parted and a rainbow appeared in the direction of Edgefield. I took this as an omen of the vibrant night to come. Despite occasional drizzles throughout the evening, the crowd came prepared, draped in ponchos that barely hid their glowing outfits, fairy lights, and neon accessories. The energy was electric, and the weather only added to the atmosphere, casting a misty glow over the entire experience.
As the final stop on Big Wild’s tour—and a hometown show for Jackson Stell, who now calls Portland home—the performance carried a special weight. The setlist featured fan favorites like “Too Loud”, “Farewell”, and the uplifting “You Belong Here,” all from his latest album Wild Child. The album, a celebration of instinctual creativity and childlike wonder, came to life on stage through a kaleidoscope of sound and visuals. Stell’s genre-blending style—psychedelic pop, euphoric dance, and cinematic flourishes—was matched by a dazzling light show that danced through the fog, creating striking silhouettes of Big Wild and his band.
The crowd was a sea of glow sticks and fairy light necklaces, pulsing in time with the music. The natural elements (lingering mist, damp grass, and the crisp autumn air…) blended seamlessly with the show’s vibrant visuals, creating a dreamlike setting that felt both grounded and otherworldly. Stell’s reverence for nature and balance, themes woven throughout Wild Child, were mirrored in the environment itself, making the performance feel deeply connected to its surroundings.
As the final notes rang out and the lights dimmed, it was clear that this wasn’t just the end of a tour or a season- it was a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of music. Big Wild’s return to Portland was triumphant, heartfelt, and unforgettable, leaving fans glowing long after the last beat dropped.
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.