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Theresa Wayman, Emily Kokal & Jennifer Lindberg from Warpaint outside Spaceland, 8/9/09 (Holga Polaroids by Renard Garr)
As you may have heard, the 29th annual Sunset Junction Street Festival is this weekend. "I've only attended the last three years, and never knew the festival back in [its] free days," says Brad Roberts from Radio Free Silver Lake. "So, frankly, the cost isn't as much of an issue for me as it is for others. The days of expecting a bankrupt state and federal government to provide something as ephemeral as a music festival, are, unfortunately, relics of the past. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at the last three, all of which introduced me to many of the local bands who are regular favorites of mine. The cultural mix is a Los Angeles specialty and in spite of occasionally resembling a frying pan, everyone seems to really enjoy themselves, the variety of food available is impressive and the atmosphere remains laid back and So Cal."
And while there's an inclination to go strictly for the headliners -- which this year include Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band,Arrested Development, Morris Day and the Time, Mary Wilson, Sly & Robbie, Built to Spill, and KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley -- ignoring the artists earlier in the daytime is a wasted opportunity to sample many rising stars from the local music scene. Two years ago, those openers included Division Day, The Pity Party and The Parson Redheads, and last year's lineup included The Happy Hollows, Castledoor, and The Henry Clay People.
So here are five local artists we recommend for the festival's opening hours: Miss Derringer, Warpaint, Dengue Fever, Love Grenades, and Local Natives.
Miss Derringer - "Black Tears"
Warpaint - "Stars"
Dengue Fever - "Tiger Phone Card"
Love Grenades - "Tigers In The Fire"
Local Natives - "Warning Sign (Talking Heads Cover)"
Special thanks to Miss Derringer, Warpaint, Dengue Fever, Love Grenades, Local Natives, Spaceland, Amoeba Records, Hammer Museum, and Make Music Pasadena.
