Sierra Ferrell Shoots for The Moon in Portland (A Gallery)

With the natural force of a river in the spring, Sierra Ferrell cascaded on stage in support of her fourth studio album, Trail of Flowers, during the Portland, Ore., summer concert series at Pioneer Courthouse Square on Monday, August 12. 

The latest stop on her headlining tour, dubbed Shoot for the Moon, the artist used her stage time to flex more than just the breathy trill and natural vibrato, which make her a standout. Ferrell also demonstrated instrumental dexterity, picking up the fiddle and acoustic guitar–swapping with ease while remaining cognizant of her greatest strength: her voice.

Rarely do artists possess the natural talent to welcome comparisons to a great like Dolly Parton, yet Ferrell earns note of the resemblance. Call it a reflection of her upbringing, the West Virginia twang of lived experience that informs a unique approach to Appalachian bluegrass, complemented by playful costumes and the ambiance of star power.

Instead, through the delivery of destined classics off her latest set; “I Could Drive You Crazy,” “American Dreaming,” “Dollar Bill Bar,” or pulls from 2021’s Long Time Coming, “Jeremiah,” “In Dreams,” Ferrell uses her catalog to demonstrate lilt, associated with matchless comparisons outside the classics, Dolly, Janis, et al. 

Hana Gustafson attended last night’s concert and shared photos. Scroll down to view.