Noise Pop Survival Guide
Noise Pop festival returns for its 23rd year with 10 days of music, film and special events from Feb. 20 to March 1. Check out our guide with a few tips for surviving the marathon of events throughout the week.
Find more events with SF Station’s Music Guide
Visit the Swedish American Music Hall
The Swedish American Music Hall, located above Cafe du Nord, will reopen with special performances and events throughout the 10-day festival. Highlights include the Song Exploder podcast, where How To Dress Well and Toro y Moi will each share the story behind one of their songs, and the National Poster Retrospecticus, with more than 350 hand-printed posters from more than 100 artists. Thao Nguyen plays a solo set on Feb. 24 and Noise Pop will also host an opening night party on Feb. 23 with a yet-to-be-announced special guest.
It’s not All About the Music
Noise Pop is most recognized for its concerts at venues throughout San Francisco, but there’s a strong lineup of film screenings before the official opening night and happy hours throughout the week. Film highlights include the documentary Hardcore Devo; Salad Days, a film about Washington D.C.’s early punk scene; and a collection of early skate videos by Spike Jonz.
Arrive Early, See Something New
There are several familiar faces on the lineup this year, but one of the best parts about Noise Pop is the opportunity to find new music. The organizers do a great job of picking openers and support acts for headliners on the lineup.
Happy Hour
Somewhat under the radar and always free, Bender’s hosts Noise Pop happy hours Feb. 24-28 with three bands each night. It’s a great way to set the tone for a night of music before a later show. Or you could just have a drink and call it an early night, but how much fun is that?
Party With SF Station
We’re getting involved again this year, sponsoring the concert with Craft Spells with Bilinda Butchers, Cotillon and Balms at Great American Music Hall on Feb. 25. Be sure to stop buy and say hi!
Top Image Credit: Photo by Gabby Gamboa, Bleached at Noise Pop 2014
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