LA’s up-and-coming bands descend on Sunset Boulevard for Echo Park Rising

Echo Park was crawling with musicians, shoppers and characters Saturday as the neighborhood’s biggest free street party roared to life.

Los Angeles’ indie-music hopefuls spilled on to the streets as Echo Park Rising turned the neighborhood into a two-day playground of live music, vintage shopping, art, food and local flavor.

The free, all-ages festival kicked off Saturday and runs through Sunday, with more than 50 participating spots joining the neighborhood-wide bash.

And judging by the scenes on the ground, nobody was sitting this one out.

Bands were cranking out live sets in packed venues, including a performance featuring a red-haired, tattooed singer commanding the mic alongside a guitarist and drummer.

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A few steps away, festivalgoers were digging through racks of vintage clothing, including one sidewalk sale advertising threads for just $1.

Then there was the dog.

One tiny pooch in a turquoise harness appeared to be having its own celebrity moment as its owner carried it through the crowd, tongue hanging out and ears perked up.

The action was largely concentrated around Sunset Boulevard, with 1545 W. Sunset Blvd. serving as one of the festival’s central hubs.

For those looking to keep the party going Saturday night, the outdoor Gentlemen’s Breakfast Stage at Mohawk and Sunset was scheduled to feature live bands and DJs until 11 p.m.

The Chocolate Dispensary is also hosting local musicians throughout the weekend, while an artisan and vintage market gets started at noon each day.

Neighborhood businesses are offering food and drink specials, too.

And yes, the whole thing is free.

It’s also all ages, although individual bars can enforce their own age restrictions later at night.

The festival arrived despite heat-wave-related power outages that hit the area earlier in the week.