Although the True/False Film Festival focuses on celebrating filmmaking, it also involves another art form that plays an essential role in most films: music.

With an eclectic group of 34 musicians playing in Columbia theaters as well as just on the street, this year’s musical acts will be a much anticipated part of True/False, which takes place from March 1 to 4.

From traditional folk bands and singer-songwriters to heavy rock groups and techno DJs, the festival is sure to include performers who will satisfy a wide variety of musical tastes. The musicians will perform in venues like The Blue Note, Mojo’s, the Globe Theater, Ragtag Cinema and more.

Bryan Redmond, the lead vocalist and saxophonist in the jazz band Grand Marquis, anticipates a welcoming crowd at True/False.

“There’s not going to be a lot of people that are closed-minded about things,” Redmond says. “It’s going to be a very open minded crowd.”

Redmond also says there is a strong relationship between music and film.

“Film plays into our music because each song is like a miniature movie,” he says. “Music creates emotion, which is integral to what a filmmaker wants to do.”

Performing Sunday night at the Volunteer’s Party is local DJ L3R0Y. Leroy Lee is a co-founder of Dirty Disco here in Columbia.

“Dirty Disco is a high-energy and unique dance party for people who simply want to dance, have fun, dress up and be themselves without being judged or harassed,” Lee says in an email. “It has a strong presence in Columbia’s nightlife scene, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.”

Lee also says music has an important role in the festival.

“Music is definitely a big part of the festival, as it should be,” he says. “Columbia has a lot of local talent, and it’s great that the festival showcases so many artists.”

“Busking,” or street performing, will also be a big part of the musical atmosphere during the festival. Many bands will play before and after film screenings, which will surely be enjoyed by the lines of people that often accumulate outside of the shows.

The band Richard the Lionhearted participated in busking last year and plans to again this year. The band’s members plan to watch the films after their performances.

“That’s the best part about busking-getting to sit in on the films after we play,” he says.

They hope to see the film _The Ambassador_.

Justin Theodore Young, a singer-songwriter from Brooklyn who performs under the name Wine Teeth, will be playing at True/False for the second time.

“It was an amazing experience, and I knew that I wanted to play the festival again,” he says. “I love the way the entire area becomes about film and music.”

Wine Teeth will be playing five different time slots, including three at Ragtag, one at Flat Branch Park and another at the Globe Theater. He describes himself as “an indie-folk singer from the south with strong influences in roots, rockabilly, old country and Appalachian music.”

Young loves the way True/False has combined film and music.

“Music becomes a character in some films,” he says. “It often sets the mood and tone, builds excitement, evokes emotion. I think what True/False is doing with the marriage of the two mediums of art is brilliant.”

Festival favorites Pearl and the Beard, Toughcats and Malone return to True/False this year and will be playing at the Berlin Theater at 8p.m. Friday. Other performers include Believers, Dark Dark Dark, Catacombz, Les Trois Coups and Ming Donkey One Man Band.