Country Time

The name No Depression Festival may evoke images of a Prozac convention, but at this local celebration of Americana and roots music, happiness comes in the form of a picnic blanket rather than a pill. The appellation comes from No Depression magazine, the award-winning, Seattle-based alt-country music publication in print from 1995 to 2008. (The magazine took its name, in turn, from the song “No Depression in Heaven,” recorded by the Carter Family, and the subsequent 1990 Uncle Tupelo album, No Depression.) Though the magazine ceased publication, it lives on via the No Depression website, an online community for fans of roots music, and also by way of this daylong outdoor concert. Only in its second year, the fest’s ability to draw big names speaks to the impressive reach of No Depression—even when defunct. This summer’s lineup includes The Swell Season (stars of the movie Once), Seattle’s own alt-country stars The Cave Singers, roots rocker Alejandro Escovedo and Americana goddess Lucinda Williams. Smiles, everyone. 8/21. 1:30–10 p.m. $45–$50. Marymoor Park, 6046 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, Redmond; nodepression.com (info), concertsatmarymoor.com (tickets).