UCLA Hammer Museum and KCRW-FM showcase local DJs and emerging bands in “˜Also I Like to Rock’ concert series
Indie-pop band Saint Motel performs in the UCLA Hammer Museum courtyard on July 1 for the opening night of the “Also I Like to Rock” summer concert series, which also featured fellow indie act Kitten. The series is co-sponsored by radio station KCRW-FM.
By Julia Neuman
July 5, 2010 9:00 p.m.
Thursdays this summer, the usually demure UCLA Hammer Museum courtyard will be transformed into a full-fledged concert venue, complete with DJs spinning, fans sweating and, of course, emerging L.A. rock stars.
The Hammer Museum and radio station KCRW-FM have teamed up for “Also I Like to Rock,” a concert series that showcases L.A. bands. On four consecutive Thursdays during July, a DJ set begins at 7 p.m. and is followed by sets from two live bands beginning at 8 p.m.
Local music guru and founder of Buzz Bands LA, Kevin Bronson, selected this year’s lineup of bands.
“The “˜Also I Like to Rock’ concert series has a special vibe,” Bronson said. “Here you are, in the courtyard of an art institution, and, as if by magic, a great rock show breaks out.”
Bronson selected the artist lineup with an eye for uniqueness, looking for bands with an exciting live presence and something interesting to say through their performances.
“I think that this year’s bill offers a fantastic potpourri of rock, pop and soul, and that each act brings a lot to the stage in terms of entertainment value,” Bronson said.
On July 1, the opening night of the series, indie-pop acts Saint Motel and Kitten performed for a packed Hammer courtyard.
Saint Motel front man A/J Jackson said he was excited to be performing in this concert series in July.
“Summer concerts are always the most fun thing to do,” Jackson said.
The members of Saint Motel are trying to make a name for themselves not only as talented musicians, but also as masters of the visual elements of a live performance.
“We incorporate a lot of digital elements because we’re also involved in film and production. I think that enhances an already good musical experience,” the band’s drummer, Greg Erwin, said.
With the series consisting mostly of musicians new to the Los Angeles scene, Jackson said that the lack of high ticket prices is an important selling point.
“It’s so much easier to convince people to come somewhere when it’s free,” Jackson said.
The location of the series is also prime for UCLA students and recent graduates, according to alumna Elle Loveseth.
“It was really cool to be able to just walk into Westwood and catch a free show, as opposed to having to go to a venue in Hollywood or another part of town,” Loveseth said.
Bronson said that the concert series is a great opportunity for UCLA students to expand their musical horizons and stretch their cultural boundaries.
“I would hope that UCLA students see this as an opportunity to party with a purpose,” Bronson said. “It’s a pretty magical city we live in, and this is just one more way to celebrate it.”
