It's a free block party, every 2nd Saturday this summer and it's called THIS Midtown. The event boasts a beer garden, local vendors and art as well as some legit indie bands.
THIS is designed to celebrate the independent spirit of Midtown. Unfortunately, I'm the first to admit I'm not as cool as I once was, and my finger has slipped a little off the pulse of up-and-coming indie bands. So I set about doing some research to familiarize myself with the acts performing this coming weekend on the block between J and K on 20th Street.
The Headliner: CAROUSEL
Hometown: Los Angeles
Genre: Dance/Pop
Listen To The Music: http://www.soundcloud.com/carouselmusicpage
Palms EP by carousel_official
Facebook // Twitter // Youtube // Instagram // Tumblr
The soft dreamy vocals over happy-fun-fresh synth-pop, Carousel is like the strawberry popsicle on a warm summer afternoon; sweet, refreshing and completes the feeling of summer.
The use of the synthesizer gives the music a late 80s throw-back feel, but the melody and beat feel contemporary and the combination feels familiar and comforting.
It's just hard to feel crappy while listening to Carousel. Under "Interests" on their Facebook profile it simply says, "making people dance." And I must admit, while listening to "Palms" EP, I couldn't help but dance around my cubicle waving my arms in a manner reminiscent of Kermit the Frog when he gets excited (I'm not a great dancer).
Another thing I love about Carousel is their video for "Another Day." It's a fun song, but the concept of the video is brilliant. It starts with a guy trying to get into a pool party, claiming he invented pool parties - then there's a hilarious twist... well, just watch it.
And that's not even the only band performing! If you come out to the party you'll also get to see and hear:
FRONDS
Hometown: San Francisco
Genre: experimental pop
Facebook // Bandcamp
COLD ESKIMO
Hometown: Sacramento
Genre: baroque pop
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Bandcamp
THE BELL BOYS
Hometown: Sacramento
Genre: emo-folk rock with a touch of electro-hiphop
Facebook // Twitter // Soundcloud // Website
DJ. ROGER CARPIO
Hometown: Sacramento
Twitter
So here's your homework, familiarize yourself with these artists and then have a rocking fun time at THIS Midtown on June 14th.
