Every February here in SF we have Noise Pop: a week full of super fun art shows, happy hours, films, music and more. It’s one of my favorite festivals, the music part in particular, and my friend’s & I have been going for years.

Oh hey, look, it’s me, Ali & Mai with David Cross! Noise Pop VIP Party, 2006
Photo by Dan Wolf, my HS friend I reunited with at Noise Pop in 2005!

On top of that, they’ve always carved a space for us indie artists, too, with their awesome Pop & Shop fair, which I’ve participated in a number of times, both during the festival in February and their Holiday event.

Selling my WilloToons line at Noise Pop & Shop, way back in 2008

This year they’ve not only added a Pop Up Shop, but they’ve developed a full weekend of awesome events and workshops, called Culture Club. So rad! For those of you born before the nineties, you may get the reference. Some of the teens I mentor in Bamboozled didn’t. Hi, I’m getting old. Hech hemm.

Because I’m liquidating my clothing line, I won’t be selling there this year, but even more up my alley lately: I will be leading a workshop! It’s a topic I’m passionate about, and I had fun with the title: “Creative Collaboration: Don’t DIY Alone”

Connecting with other creatives online, or in your local community, is a great way to kick-start your ideas or support the launch/growth of your business! In this workshop you’ll learn:

• Easy ways to start a community or collaboration, online or off
• Local groups and organizations to get involved with right now
• Inspiring creative collaborations happening around the world

Whether you’re a wanna-be crafter or a full-time entrepreneur, join us and let’s create something awesome!

For all of you who are local, I really hope you’ll come out. Sunday’s day of shopping + awesome craft talks & workshops is 100% FREE! Also looking for pals who want to hit some of the awesome bands that are rollin’ through town this year. Eat. Sleep. Rock. Repeat!