San Francisco prides itself on being an artistic hub nationally as well as internationally. Along with our first, and widely successful Outside Lands festival in Golden Gate Park, art, music, film and a distinct culture make up the beauty that is San Francisco.

The event that most closely reflects the character of our very vibrant city has to be Noise Pop. It's a collaboration between indie rock bands and local artists, as well as creative filmmakers. Bands such as the Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Grandaddy, Jimmy Eat World and the White Stripes all rose to prominence with the help of Noise Pop.

Noise Pop is the brainchild of one Kevin Arnold, who in 1993 decided to bring together five of his favorite local bands for a show in San Francisco's Kennel Club on Divisadero Street.

Through the years, Noise Pop has steadily grown and in 2000 and 2001 had shows in both San Francisco and Chicago. Noise Pop has become something more than just a festival to showcase artists and their wide array of talents. Arnold started the Popular Noise Foundation, the goal being to showcase artists and help them get exposure.

The festival is also unique in the fact that it is not a one or two day event held at a single venue. Arnold likes to spread the love all around the city, utilizing a variety of San Francisco music clubs such as Bottom of the Hill, The Great American Music Hall, Café Du Nord and Bimbo's as well as others. This year's festival will run from February 24th to March 1st. The venues haven't been released yet, but Antony and the Johnsons are scheduled to kick things off on the first day at the Masonic Center.

Some of the musical acts for this year include Thee Oh Sees, Bob Mould, Martha Wainwright and The French Kicks. Not to be outdone by the music, this class of films promises to bring us back to the good old days. Some of the gems include a documentary on Johnny Cash's show in Folsom Prison and a look back at the radical 80s TV show Night Flight.

In addition to music, art and film, Noise Pop 2009 will include "Industry Noise," a one-day collaboration with The Bandwidth Conference. It will take place on February 27th at the Swedish American Hall and will include discussions on independent music, technology and the changing industry. Participants will also have a chance to sit down and talk one-on-one with music professionals.

Noise Pop has been steadily growing year after year, but luckily it has always remained true to its biggest supporters: independent artists, musicians, filmmakers and thinkers.