HILLSBORO, OR — For those who have spent any time in Downtown Hillsboro over the last decade, the name Maddie Hurst likely rings a bell. Whether she was busking at the Farmers Market as a child, fronting the all-girl rock trio Why Joe-Y as a pre-teen, blowing the roof off Pizzario with her band In Retrograde, or the couple of years with her musical cohort Ky Fifer, Hurst has grown up in the spotlight of our city’s streets. Now, the homegrown talent is ready to transition from local prodigy to professional recording artist with the launch of her debut full-length album, “Peak on the Hill.”
The “Hurst” name is already part of Hillsboro’s musical infrastructure. Maddie’s father, Ron Hurst, has been the drummer for the legendary rock band Steppenwolf since 1984 and is a familiar face at Mir Music, where he has taught local students for years. But while she shares her father’s rhythm—often seen with Ron backing her on the drums during sets at the La Strada chalk festival—Maddie has carved out a sound that is uniquely her own: a soulful, powerhouse blend of indie-rock and folk that feels both modern and deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest.
In my past, I was involved in the music scene in Portland and locally, and helped produce several local artists. While I am not in the music industry anymore, I recognize talent, and Maddie has it and has significantly developed. Seen with Fifer and local musician and producer Andy Harrison in the video below, who produced her album. While many locals remember Maddie as the young girl with a guitar on the corner of Main Street, her voice has matured into something far more complex. It possesses a haunting, velvet-like quality that can silence a crowded room, only to erupt into a commanding, soulful belt that reminds you she’s been mentored by rock royalty. Anyone attending her Album release party is in for a real experience.
The 411: Album Release Party
To celebrate the release of “Peak on the Hill,” Hurst and her full band will take the stage at The Vault Theater for a one-night-only event that promises to be more than just a concert.
When: Saturday, April 4, 2026. Doors at 5:30 PM; Show at 6:00 PM.
Where: The Vault Theater & Event Space (Bag & Baggage), 350 E Main St.
Admission: $15 (available online or at the door).
The Bonus: In a rare move for independent releases, every ticket holder will receive a physical CD of the new album and a gift bag upon entry.
Note: The performance is recommended for ages 16 and up.
As Hillsboro continues to grow and evolve, stories like Maddie’s remind us of the talent that thrives right here in our own backyard. For anyone who has followed her journey from the chalk-lined streets of Main Street to the TV screens of Everyday Northwest, this performance at The Vault is more than just a release party—it’s a homecoming.
Musician Maddie Hurst, with roots right here in Hillsboro, is coming to the Vault to celebrate the release of her new album, and you’re invited! You may have seen her perform all around Downtown Hillsboro, including at Pizzario and at the La Strada chalk festival; now come see her at the Vault and celebrate her new album! Come party with Maddie and the band, hear the album performed live, and maybe even pick up a signed copy! The party starts at 6 pm on Saturday, April 4th!
Tickets are $15, online or at the door.
Tickets include a signed CD and a gift bag!
So proud of her progress and can’t wait for her album release🎉