Can you believe Noise Pop Festival is about to hit its 30th year? From a one-night-only showcase to a beloved week-long festival celebrating the independent spirit in music (and occasionally art and film, too), Noise Pop is now a definitive fixture of the San Francisco Bay Area arts scene.
This year’s roster still retains that buck-the-system philosophy but also has a strong showing of locals in the larger fonts, either acts that are located here or with more distant Bay Area roots. It’s also diverse in terms of sound with pop, hip hop, jazz, and DJs to dance the night away to.
White Crate exists to bring you the best of the Bay’s vast music landscape, and there are tons of local talent to highlight on this year’s roster. But because the list is so long this year (a good thing!) we’re limiting our previews to our picks for each night.
Thursday, February 16
Though not officially part of the fest, Thursday does offer a kickoff show with Rex supported by the jangly combo of San Francisco’s Chime School and the Reds, Pinks and Purples.
Saturday, February 18 & Sunday, February 19
Just like last year, Noise Pop is taking over Zeitgeist (3-8 PM) with a pair of weekend shows that are completely free to attend.
On Saturday, see Eternal Drag (SF), The Manzanita (Sacramento), and Byron Mayhew (SF).
On Sunday, see Thank You Come Again (SF), Mild Universe (SF), Chammeili (Berkeley), and Josiah Flores (SF).
Realistically, there might not be enough time to hustle over to Berkeley to also see San Jose’s Covet at the UC Theatre at 8pm, so you may need to decide which side of the Bay you’re doing.
Another conundrum kicks off this night. At 7pm, the cozy vibes of the New Parish will be enhanced by Christian Kuria’s silken voice. Going on at the same time,on the other side of the bridge, are San Jose legends Duster at the Regency. That alone is a draw, but them PLUS Sour Widows? It’s a sold-out show, but if you can weasel your way in that’s a solid option too.
Back in the East Bay, Ritmos Tropicosmos will start sending off the fest with what’s sure to be a dance party at the Ivy Room at 8pm.
To start, you can go see NGHTCRWLR supporting Mareux at Great American Music Hall. NGHTCRWLR is King Woman’s Kristina Esfandiari, who left Oakland for New York long ago, but considering the enormous impact she had on the scene here she is welcome anytime. The other support act, Pendant, is via Oakland as well.
If it were me, I might follow that with Tsunami Bomb at Bottom of the Hill for nostalgic reasons. Tsunami Bomb were an absolutely formative band for me, showing up on a lot of rosters on the San Jose all-ages scene back when I was a 14-16 year old growing up in the local punk scene.
Astu (The Chapel, 5pm) has been making waves in the Bay Area for many years. Good thing her show at the Chapel on the festival’s closing night is early, so you can see what the fuss is about… unless you want to catch Satya at SFJAZZ at 6 or 7:30pm. She has since moved from her hometown of Oakland, but with her sweet, slightly yearning blend of R&B and radio-ready ballads, she definitely one worth seeing.
To end the festival? Many blogs (and bigger) have devoted many words to Oakland’s Spellling, and with good reason. She’s a captivating live performer, and I say this from experience. You’ll fall into a trance and come out of it saying, “Jeez, how long was I out for?” Fall under her spell at Great American Music Hall at 7pm.
