Celebrating its 17th year in 2009, San Francisco's Noise Pop festival - California's very own version of South by Southwest and New York's CMJ festival - is currently gearing itself up to engulf the city between February 24th and March 1st with an tasty week of music, art, film and industry debate.

The festival springs into action with a free opening night party headlined by Atlanta's skeletal ambient noise rockers Deerhunter, and closes with the stupidity and smiles that can only be achieved by NYC eccentric art punks Les Savy Fav. Sandwiched in between like a fine salami are performances from the legendary Bob Mould, Antony and the Johnsons, The Mountain Goats (solo), Stephen Malkmus (also solo), Rob Crow of Pinback's new metal band Goblin Cock, MC Kool Keith performing Dr. Octagon vs Dr. Doom, New Pornographer A.C. Newman, and LA noise popsters No Age. Plus, of course, many more all sprinkled across venues throughout the city.

Film-wise this year's screenings are set to include the musical documentaries Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, Gogol Bordello Non-Stop: A Gypsy-Punk Documentary and, Ashes of American Flags (Wilco Concert Film). Daytime keynote speeches come from such notary folk as Lou Barlow and Bob Mould and if that wasn't enough a special 'Family' exhibition of photos by Lauren Dukoff sits alongside the 'Sights of Sounds' group art show featuring the artistic endeavors of musicians that include Alissa Anderson (Vetiver), Joseph Arthur, Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), Hank Shocklee (Bomb Squad, Public Enemy), and John Vanderslice. If that's still not a sufficiency, it all occurs amongst the stunning cultural backdrop that is San Francisco with not a soiled portaloo or flooded tent in sight - expect us to bring you more coverage in the near future.

Badges to the festival are available now for a mere $150. Visit Noisepop.com/2009 to purchase and view a complete schedule.