By DONNA BALANCIA
Broke L.A. is rich in talent for 2017.
The festival that started out as a cheap alternative to Coachella has grown in many ways. Broke L.A. has positioned itself to be the festival season-opener in the city, cleverly moving its start date up. It boasts some innovative musical and comedy acts and there will be some cool food offerings and art installations that are not to be missed.
It’s actually the seventh year of Broke L.A., and the artists are more diverse and more talented each time out. The fest runs from 2:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday.
There will be more than 50 musical acts across four stages. This year, we’re looking forward to performances from Candy Cigarettes, Send Medicine, and James Supercave.
Candy Cigarettes
Candy Cigarettes, also known as Portland-based Lane Mueller, is a one-man singer-songwriter, a self taught multi-instrumentalist, and producer. At 24, he’s already made a name for himself with his songs, which have graced movies and TV. You know Candy Cigarettes, you just haven’t connected the name with the familiar tunes.
CHECK OUT CANDY CIGARETTES ON BANDCAMP
“Probably my biggest feat with licensing was a song named ’Weary Is’ in a film called Big Gay Love,” Lane told CaliforniaRocker.com “The movie went on to win quite a few awards at various festivals. It had Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s own Nicholas Brendon in it too which was cool.”
Lane’s been at this music thing a long time.
“I started becoming more serious about my music and songwriting around 22, even though I had been recording myself since I was 14,” he said.
But with all that music history and all the time he’s devoted to music, Broke LA will be his first local gig.
“I was really excited when they put me on the lineup because its my first out-of-state show,” he said.
Send Medicine
Send Medicine brings its alt-surfy coolness to the fest. The band started out as a solo project of Toronto-born Julian Hacquebard and he was joined by bandmates Aaron Stern, Lauren Grimaldi, Ryan Glennan and Curran McDowell. We like the use of the Theremin.
Check out one of the band’s videos here
James Supercave
James Supercave is another one of our anticipated performers. He straddles the line between Americana and alternative and his music keeps you going.
Art + Food
In addition to new music, the fest presents LA’s up-and-coming comedians, art and food.
There are also photo booths, activism hubs featuring voter registration, petition signing, letters to congress and more, 30+ local business vendors, puppy adoption celebrating Los Angeles becoming an official No Kill city. The fest is dog friendly til 7 P.M.
Broke LA merchandise is for sale for the first time ever.
Featured Musicians
Brasstracks, James Supercave, Bloodboy, La Bouquet, Kid Wave, Kolaj, Ugly Sweaters, BRAEVES, Thumpasaurus, Fellow Bohemian, Candy Cigarettes, CRNKN, sober rob, omniboi, PHAM, John Givez, Malcolm Anthony, Noah, Harris Cole, ARDENCY, Marko Penn, Devmo, Yung Skrrt, dylAn, FOFADI, Ta’East, Pusher, AWE, Grimecraft, R3LL, Fan Fiction, Neo Fresco, Hikeii, Honey, $yrup, DJ Clickbait, Boyo, Dream Machines, Zealyn, Tickle Torture, Raener, Velvet, Goosehappen, Emerson Star, Send Medicine, Iconique
What: Seventh Annual Broke LA Music & Arts Festival
When: Saturday April 8th, 2017 2:30pm – 12:00am (last entry 11:30pm)
Where: 4560 Worth St, Los Angeles, CA, 90063
Price: $25 Admission
For more information go to brokela.com
