Costa Mesa becomes eclectic

Lolita Harper

Eclectic. It has long been a word used to describe this city in which

the houses are painted bright purple, the City Council is diverse and

entertainment ranges from strobe-pumping dance clubs to the

sophisticated arts scene.

The perfect place to kickoff of the Eclectic Orange Festival on

Saturday with a showcase of independent local music produced by KCRW

FM (89.9), widely known for launching the careers of otherwise

unknown artists. The concert, titled “Next Up,” will feature

up-and-coming artists The 88, Tom Brosseau and the Bedroom Walls,

each of which was hand-picked by station musical director Nic

Harcourt. Keeping with the theme, Harcourt coincidentally hosts

KCRW’s popular show “Morning Becomes Eclectic.”

Harcourt argued his job is one of the best around, as it promotes

good music and a good time.

“I am very fortunate in so much as I have a job in which I am able

to make a difference by playing people’s music,” Harcourt said. “I

hear all kinds of music. Whether it be from a major record label or

just a demo, I get to hear it first,

“It is just a great opportunity for me, as a music fan, and the

show is a great opportunity for the artists to be heard,” he said.

“Next Up 2003” will wow the audience with beautiful acoustics from

Brosseau, dreamy pop and rock from Bedroom Walls and “out and out

sort of good, fun rock” from The 88, Harcourt said.

Each of the acts have been broadcast on KCRW, so they will likely

have a loyal following or at least some familiarity to the fans.

At one time, the annual showcase of bands was held in Los Angeles

as “Unsigned Indies.” Harcourt scoffed at any suggestion that things

are too homogeneous behind the infamous “Orange Curtain” to support

eclecticism, and pointed out that despite the small venue, last

year’s concert packed in about 2,500 people.

“I think it is really unfair to brand a region or town or area as

being populated by just one type of person,” Harcourt said. “I know

for a fact that there are many in Orange County with eclectic tastes

and who love the arts, and they are all there.”

The Philharmonic Society, which sponsors the Eclectic Orange

Festival, invited KCRW and its miscellaneous lineup to jump-start the

six-week affair.

Although the Costa Mesa venue is a small park in the middle of the

South Coast Metro arts district, organizers expect a huge turnout. In

2001, when the event was held at the Getty Museum, more than 6,000

people came out, causing officials to close down the San Diego

Freeway.

“That was kind of nuts,” Harcourt said.