San Diego IndieFest - March 28, 2009

Whoever said chicks can’t rock have obviously never met Alicia Champion and Danielle LoPresti, the masterminds behind the San Diego Indiefest. Already in its fifth year, the San Diego Indiefest brings in more than 50 musical acts to venues in North Park. Music lovers may recognize acts like Si*Se, Adam Joseph, Citizen Band, MC Flow, Locura, Social Green and Juliette and The New Romantiques, the new project of Juliette Lewis of Juliette and the Licks.
The music festival boasts seven stages with bands playing from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., featuring big names acts sharing the stage with local talent. Die-hard indie music fans, LoPresti and Champion also take the stage, with Champion playing songs off of her “Dear Mr. Penishead” album.
The San Diego Indiefest began as a way to break down the “all-too-often embittered music world” and draw attention to indie acts.

”Indie doesn’t mean less pro, less pristine, less profound - what it does signify is something crafted by an artist with a vision and the desire and determination to manifest it, no matter what,” said LoPresti.

Indiefest is just one of the many projects for Champion and LoPresti. An accomplished musician, Champion has earned critical acclaim for her music and has shared the stage with Steven Tyler and Melissa Etheridge. Ani Difranco raved about Champion’s record, saying it is “an impressive album for a new millennium where women will seize the music industry and turn it upside-down.”

Champion’s partner, LoPresti, is also well-known in the indie music scene. LoPresti is behind the Indie by Design showcase, which features indie musicians in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. This year marks the third Indie by Design for LoPresti, making her a veteran at coordinating indie music events.

To view a full list of the bands that played or for more information, visits the San Diego Indiefest Web site at www.sandiegoindiefest.com.


Melissa Paniaguas - Writer