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.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.