Author: Brenda McNary
Colorado Boulevard exploded in sound and activity during the 10th annual free Eagle Rock Music Festival on Saturday Oct. 5. Featuring 74 acts performing from 5 p.m. ’till midnight, the festival was definitely big. Headliners were Crystal Antlers, Earlimart and the local punk/noise band Abe Vigoda (who performed in Oxy’s own Cooler two years ago). Also at the festival were booths from local merchants, food vendors and an eclectic assortment of street performers.
While there are no official numbers for attendees, according to a Los Angeles Times article 20,000 people were expected. As a spectator myself, I saw that the festival seemed to draw a diverse crowd of revelers. It’s always great to see Oxy students and community members alike coming together to listen to local music, and this year by all accounts seemed a success.
Although I arrived on the scene late, one of my favorite moments occurred right before the festival shut down at midnight. Killsonic, a self professed “alternative marching band,” performed a raucous off-the-cuff set outside the 7-11 market, encouraging the crowd to sing along to the strange wailings of the band leader into a loudspeaker. As the sound of trombones and accordions began to mix with police sirens, everyone was reluctant to leave the festival behind and go home.
For me, this moment perfectly captured the uniqueness of the Eagle Rock Music Festival. Where else can you snag some tasty papusas and watch a ska band perform 20 feet away? This event is a window into the culture of the neighborhood, and hopefully with our ongoing support it will continue to grow.
More information can be found at http://www.myspace.com/eaglerockmusicfestival. Missed the festival? Sign up to volunteer for next year!
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