For damn near a decade, Pony Village have become one of the more household names in Portland, despite being named after a mall in North Bend. Lead singer and guitarist Ryan Barber has transposed his memories of growing up in the coastal southern Oregon town into the indie pop songwriting that's gained Pony Village such a cult following. Sadly, fans won't be getting much more from the band since tonight, Pony Village is being laid to rest.

Exactly why their Rontoms Sunday Sessions set tonight will be their last performance ever, we're not sure. We were always able to count on Pony Village, no matter how many lineup changes or other random occurrences popped up. Needless to say, whether they play more shows, make more albums or not, they'll always be a Portland favorite.

Weather permitting, you can catch Pony Village's last show later this evening at Rontoms with Ali Muhareb. As always with their Sunday Sessions events, it's free.

Recently launched PDX label Smoking Surgeon is preparing to release its first compilation, You Play Music Like A Girl, just before the holiday hits. Don't let the title upset you though, Portland. The main focus of the compilation is to spotlight Portland's various female-inclusive acts, attempting to counteract the phrase's negative connotation in a satirical and talented way, bringing new life to the phrase.

...Like A Girl will feature some of the city's finest in fem power, from bassists and guitarists to keyboardists and songwriters. Vocalists, too. Enjoy the sounds of locals Old Wave, Haley Heynderickx, Coco Columbia and Pony Village on the comp, plus many more.

A release show will be held in celebration of its launch at the Liquor Store on December 22nd. Playing the show will be Lubec, The Century and Moniker with entrance only being $5. Just so you know, $8 will get you entry plus a copy of the comp!

Smoking Surgeon Records was bred by lovely lady musician Emma Browne and Justin Chase, who happened to come from a home of musically inclined women. Aside from a mutual passion and respect for women in music, the two also share the stage as part of the band Rare Diagram. Both in the band and as a record label, the two only manifest a greatness worthy of all our attention.

-Cervante Pope

Last Tuesday, July 1st, the Red Bull Sound Select concert series took over Mississippi Studios once again for a night of musical brilliance, featuring Blitzen Trapper, Pony Village and Tiburones (Tiburones are one of the bands featured in our current Artist of the Month poll series! Vote for them here.). Where you there? Photos by Katie Summer. 

Check out the rest of the photos from the night here!