On Saturday, the streets of Downtown Pasadena will play host to six stages featuring 150 performers scattered throughout an ideal setting for public art and good times. It's called Make Music Pasadena and yes, it's completely free (but donations are appreciated and rewarded). Past editions have featured breakout performances from artists like Grimes, Best Coast and Moses Sumney, and this year's is sure to see more.
1. Lydia Ainsworth. (Playhouse District Stage) For an early afternoon set, the drama should be high for Lydia Ainsworth. Dubbed a “Rising Artist” by the tastemakers at Pitchfork, her sound has been described as "orchestral pop” and is informed by both classical music and film scores. Her refined songs have culminated in the release of her debut album Right from Real on Montreal’s Arbutus Records. Set time: 2:10pm–2:55pm
2. Kishi Bashi. (Colorado Stage) Karou Ishibashi has contributed as a touring violinist for Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche and Of Montreal. But under the stage name of Kishi Bashi his classical, psychedelic and pop influences are juxtaposed on his ambitious and sprawling albums. Check out 2014’s Lighght to get an idea of the places he’ll go. Named NPR’s Best New Artist in 2012, his live performances are built around his trademark violin and layered loops of sound. They can be stunningly gorgeous. Set time: 4:15pm–5:10pm
3. Hundred Waters. (Playhouse District Stage) Gainesville, Florida’s Hundred Waters is coming off of a torrent of activity. They performed on Letterman, curated an artistic happening in the Arizona desert and signed to Skrillex’s OWSLA label. But this is all secondary to the 2014 release of The Moon Rang Like a Bell. Seamlessly blending the soulful vocals of Nicole Miglis with understated electronic flourishes, the sounds are moody and atmospheric. This promises to be captivating in a live setting. Set time: 4:30pm-5:15pm
4. How To Dress Well. (Playhouse District Stage) Tom Krell’s How To Dress Well incorporates 90s R&B influences into his distinctive sound that has been championed by critics. Setting his acrobatic and heartfelt vocals to lush production has yielded wildly successful results from the Chicago-based crooner. You can expect selections from his 2014 album “What Is This Heart?” when he performs just before sunset. Set time: 5:40pm-6:25pm
5. Nick Waterhouse. (Levitt Pavilion) Here’s a great way to finish the festival. The music of Nick Waterhouse is constantly evolving, and his relentless touring schedule means that this should be a high energy set. His latest album Holly deals heavily in early rhythm and blues and rock. Not only does he have the chops to move a crowd, but Levitt Pavilion in Memorial Park might be one of the most underrated venues for music in the area. Set time: 7:05pm–8pm