Noise Pop is one of the most bitchin’ music festivals around; bold statement, I know, but hear me out, kids. Since 1993, this festival, which focuses on emerging indie artists, has featured notables such as Modest Mouse, Cat Power, The White Stripes, Death Cab for Cutie, and Fleet foxes when they were either on the brink of widespread success or known to a mere handful of diehard fans. Perhaps the best aspect of the festival is the preponderance of intimate venues that participate, so you not only hear, feel and taste the music you’re privy to and (yes, participating: your presence at a show makes you a facet of its essence) but you can even talk to members of the bands because they’re probably still selling their own merch and grabbing a beer to watch the next act. Think about it: if you had attended the year before The White Stripes stormed out of Detroit and blew-up your radios and televisions, you could’ve had an in-depth discussion with Jack White about what brand of amps he uses; and that is one talented, driven fella. What I mean to say is…well…go to this show, damn it: it’ll displace your mind and make it anew, in all the best ways. And if you decide to attend, here’s what I suggest that you see and what I’ll be seeing over the next week.

Tuesday, February 24th

Opening Night Party with Deerhunter and Lilofee, accompanied by DJs Jimmy Temobrello, who reigns from a little band called The Postal Service, along with Aaron Axelson and Omar, who presents the very popular local Thursday night, all ages hipster dance party at Popscene. Located at Mezzanine (which is in a cutty alley, so dress appropriately, ladies), doors open at 8:30 but the show won’t start until 10:00 and it is a 21 and over club so underage rockers need not apply. Oh, and did I mention that it’s free? Yep…be there.

If you can’t get into the venue or don’t feel like a like losing your hearing until Wednesday night, you can attend the City Arts Lecture with John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats at the Herbst Theater. The entrance fee is $20 and doors open at 8:00.

Wednesday, February 25th

This one is tough, and I’m calling a tie between The Mountain Goats, who gave one of the stand-out performances last year, and Stephen Malkmus from the legendary band Pavement and who is currently flying solo. And then there’s Matt Costa!!! Oh my, oh my. Well, this one is made easier for some of you–if you haven’t already purchased your Mountain Goats tickets, I’m sorry to say the show is sold out and open only to All-Access Badge holders. Malkmus is playing at the Great American Music Hall which opens its doors at 7:30 (show starts at 8:00) for a $20 fee, open to all ages. If you’re not bopping around town to see multiple shows a night like I am, Kelley Stoltz is opening for Malkmus and he’s amazing every time so you’ll get more for your money. Also, you’ll get another two-for when Two Sheds opens for Matt Costa at Slims for a $20 fee with doors opening at 7:00 and the show starting at 8:00, and once again all ages are permitted.

Thursday, February 26th

Ooh, another tough night. First and foremost, Josh Ritter is huge in Ireland for some reason, and that’s good enough for me. He’s playing at the Great American Music Hall with two amazing opening acts, Dave Smallen and Tiny Televisions, and too see them you’ll need to part with $20 and show up by 8:00; don’t worry, all ages are welcome. Unfortunately, this show is also sold out so my next recommendation (and one that I will be at for a part of the evening) is Thee Oh Sees who are playing at Cafe Du Nord with another amazing opening act, The Fresh and Onlys. Hopefully all see all you all-agers there by 9:00 since this once cheap, at only $12. If you can’t get into either of those shows, don’t fret: Martha Wainwright plays at Slim’s with AA Bondy, who is on the same record label as The Black Keys, and this one’s also only $12, open to all ages, and starts relatively later at 8:30.

Friday, February 27th

First things first: hit Noise Pop Happy Hour at Benders to see Maus Haus with Sugar & Gold and Tempo No Tempo for no other reason than it’s free and you can chat up the cute broad or fella, get them a little tipsy, and then entice them to see some good music later (built in second date on the same night). It’s free, but it is 21 and up (obviously), so get there early as it only goes from 5:00 to 8:00.

From there I suggest you head over to see Ra Ra Riot at The Independent if you have a badge, since this one is also sold out. This one promises to be a strong evening, with Telekinesis and The Hooks as openers; show starts at 8:00, don’t be late. If that is impossible, an equally exciting show takes place at Great American Music Hall and is headlined by St. Vincent, who is a charmingly blissful chanteuse, and opening for her are Rafter and That Ghost, two very talented acts. This one is relatively cheap at $16 and open to all ages, show be there by 8:00 to get the full experience. As for openers if you’re hitting a few shows before the headline acts take the stage, The Mumlers are opening for co-headliners The Morning Benders and The Submarines (of iPod commercial fame), and at $12 (or $14 at the door), it’s not a bad price to shell out. Also, the cheapest choice of the night, at $10, that is still worth seeing (if the economy is wearing heavily on your mind) would be Deer and the Headlights playing at Bottom of the Hill with Kinch, Big Light, and A B and the Sea; make sure you’re there by 8:30 for a helluva night.

Saturday, February 28th

Busy day, my loves, busy day. Kick it off at noon with a special matinee show at Bottom of the Hill featuring The Matches for a mere $14. If you’re a fan of Anticon, then you must not miss Themselves playing a free show at the downtown Apple store at 2:00. From there, jet on down to another Noise Pop Happy Hour at Benders for some solid sets by Music for Animals, Aim Low Kid, and Audio Out Send; free, but 21 and over. The must-see show of the night for me is AC Newman at the Independent for some sweet folk remedies. It’s moderately priced at $15, but it is 21 and over so the kiddies have to miss this one and all the rest of you should show up around 8:00. That said, another all over solid show at Cafe Du Nord is headlined by Portugal. The Man with Girls, Love is Chemicals, and Agent Ribbons. Although there aren’t any superstar acts here, you won’t be disappointed especially since it’s only a $13 cover and in a rad part of town where you can grab some grub before the show starts at 9:00. The curiosity wildcard is Clues because they are practically off the grid: they don’t even have a myspace. Constructed of members from prestigious acts such as The Arcade Fire and The Unicorn you know they’ll deliver but the question is what they’ll be packaging. I don’t know about you, but I want to find out so I’ll be stopping by The Rickshaw Stop at around 9:00 to see them play with Loch Lomond, Harbours, and The Red Verse, and if this is your only concert of the night the $12 ($14 at the door) cover will be well worth it; again, all ages are welcome to attend.

As far as must-see openers, The Dead Trees and Everest will open for Sholi at Bottom of the Hill starting at around 9:00 and at $12 this show, which all ages can attend, is a nice pit-stop on the way to see other opening acts if you’re so inclined. Also, my favorite hip hop entertainers, Wallpaper, will be opening for Flosstradamus and N.A.S.A. at Mezzanine around 9:00. This show is a bit steep for merely one act, at $18 ($20 at the door), but come on…they have a song called T-Rex!! So good…

Sunday, March 1st

If you must, this is the night to miss because it seems the festival ran out of steam at the end. However, I will be attending a screening of Nighfight: Born Again at Artist’s Television Access at 4:15 for a modest fee of $9; sorry, kids: this one is 21 and over. And later in the evening, Les Savy Fav is playing at Mezzanine with The Mae Shi at 8:00 for a rather steep fee of $20. What I’m saying is, I’m not so enthused with this one, but it’s the only game in town today so I’ll make an appearance.