The 2009 Noise Pop Indie Festival hits San Francisco from February 24th to March 1st. Now in its 17th year, Noise Pop has brought emerging artists, musical performers and indie films to venues throughout San Francisco - and what better place is there to have such a festival? With such a culturally diverse and colorful city, San Francisco has been the perfect home for Noise Pop since 1993. Through the years, Noise Pop has evolved from a humble festival highlighting new and upcoming independent films and artists to the best-loved celebration of indie music and culture in the U.S.

For 2009, Noise Pop has upped the ante and will feature even more films, musical performances and art exhibits than ever before. Few details have been released, but some early music performers and film announcements have been made.

With past headliners including Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse and countless others, this year's line up features a list of emerging artists that could be the next big thing. Some early confirmations include Antony and the Johnsons, Stephen Malkmus, AC Newman, Martha Wainwright, The Submarines and a few others.

Independent Films have always been a large component of Noise Pop and this year is no different. Past festivals have included a variety of topics including edgy documentaries and biographies. Some of this year's films include Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, Agile Mobile Hostile: A Year with Andre Williams, and Of all the Things - a documentary on Dennis Lambert, producer mogul from the 70's and 80's that went on his first (and only) solo tour 35 years after his only album was released. The best part, it's in the Philippines. For a complete list of films, click here.

Ahh the last, but definitely not least Noise Pop attraction, the art. The art exhibits featured range from photography to watercolors depending on the year, and announcements have not yet been made on what the exhibits will be for 2009. But, when they are announced, you can find them here. Last year's exhibit included rare photographs of Elliot Smith by Autmn de Wilde.

As if that wasn't enough to keep you busy for a week, Noise Pop added a couple other events to this year's festival. The first is Industry Noise, a conference discussing Independent Music, Technology, and the changing industry will be held on Saturday, January 28th at the Swedish American Hall. There will also be an indie design fair and trunk show featuring local artists and designers selling the latest chic and unique handmade clothing, jewelry and accessories called Pop 'N Shop.

Noise Pop 2009 has everything festival goers love about previous years events and a whole lot more. Early bird tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $135. The price includes admission to all shows, film screenings, happy hours and other happenings during the festival. Along with all this, you even get a free iPod, iPhone or Blackberry skin featuring this year's artwork - bonus!

Noise Pop 2009