Why You Should Attend The 'Eclectic Music Festival' Saturday

Eagle Rock music fans may be interested in "South by South Pas."

That’s what local singer/songwriter Brad Colerick likes to call South Pasadena’s annual

“I used to go to South by Southwest every year when it was a much smaller event than it is now. It was something I looked forward to … to discover new artists and hear a lot of great music,” said Colerick of the annual concert in Austin. 

And while he doesn’t foresee South Pasadena’s ever getting that big, he does say “it can continue to get better and better as it gets more established and more notoriety.”

This year’s lineup is impressive and, well, eclectic. Headlining the Carnegie Stage is three-time Grammy-winning composer and pianist Billy Childs, who just so happens to also be a South Pas resident. 

The Celtic rock band, Young Dubliners, will be headlining the Gold Line stage. Expect traditional Irish music fused with modern rock. The group has toured nationally and internationally, but you may recognize them from performances on Jimmy Kimmel or The Early Show.

Colerick, who serves as the festival’s director, says he and President Scott Feldman brought in the Young Dubliners this year “to tie in with the opening of the .”

Gold Line stage manager Mark Hatch, who will also be playing with his jazz group Mark Hatch & Group 5, says the goal of this year’s festival was to promote the incredible talent that lives in town. About 25 percent of performers are South Pas residents.

Hatch’s group actually formed because of the Eclectic Music Festival. “We started as fun off-the-clock. But we just clicked,” said Hatch who has toured with Ray Charles, among other notable artists.

This year’s concert will be different because of the “constant music,” added Hatch. Expect few breaks in between performers, which also include Latin rhythms and Americana bluegrass harmonies.

And, says Colerick, “Bring a little extra cash with you to pick up some CDs and have them signed by the artists. It'll be a nice reminder of the evening, and the musicians really appreciate it.”

To see the musicians mentioned in this article perform, check out the attached YouTube videos.