I arrived way too early at this year’s Eagle Rock Music Festival. Which gave me ample time to wander Colorado Boulevard and happen upon Permanent Record’s own private fest. Saturday afternoon, around 2:45 p.m. a lot of bleary eyed vinyl enthusiasts crowded the aisles at the record shop, a full day’s lineup of garage rock bands crunching away.
By 4:00 p.m. the crowds had gathered, and a man in tails and a top hat was showing folks his theremin – don’t worry, it’s a wand-like instrument.
Dozens of community outreach groups were in attendance, handing out pamphlets, brochures, along with restaurants, banks, name brand beverages, and a few boutiques. There was a bevy of sponsors listed on the official map for the 2013 Eagle Rock Music Festival, but what was comforting was that no one was really trying to shove any one product into my hands. Attend any other summer music festival and you’ll be inundated with products, logos, women in skimpy outfits handing out sports drinks or sunglasses.
At the Women’s 20th Century Club I caught the tail end of Dilettante, a folk outfit that officially launched the day. Tiana Jimenez leads the band, spry on her feet, guitar close to her heart, she sang along with her players, a well-oiled machine firing off on all pistons. From outside I could have swore these were grizzled folk singers, but inside Jimenez and company showed what musicians in their late teens?, maybe early 20s? (I’m usually bad when it comes to ages) can do when they focus their talent.
Sunset hour – Boardwalk took to the Center Stage on Colorado Boulevard. The band bolstered its lineup, a recording duo in the studio, their final count stood at five players on stage (I interviewed Mike Edge and Amber Quintero on what went into their self-titled debut album and how puppies figured into that process.) Their set was marred by some audio issues, but after that it was all golden.
The LA Filipino-American United Church of Christ hosted the festival’s Experimental stage and it might have been the first time the church had a congregation under the influence of something else besides faith. A string instrument was built into the church and crossed over our heads, while the Arohi Ensemble played classical Indian/ raga jazz music.
Evening swooped in, heat still rising from the ground, and the rush of families and people who found parking filled out Colorado Boulevard. I made my way back toward Permanent Records, the sounds of the festival over my shoulder, families walking in the dark along the sidewalk, a general wholesomeness wafting in the air. It was a flash, a one-day event, the schedule a bit off, but all of it going off without too much friction.
Round up:
* Lots of dogs and bicycles.
* Schedule was off.
* Everyone looked happy to be there.
* VIP section people are anti-social
* Rantz hosted their own taco truck, along with the Latin beats.
* Colombo’s was the official beer garden.
* The metal/punk/indie stage was claustrophobic to say the least
* Local restaurants offered specials, while others didn’t seem to notice that there was a festival.
* People taking hits from their pipes. We see you.
* Bike valet
* Pasadena Weekly and LA Weekly sponsored?!
