Correction: An earlier version of this article contained a factual error stating that the True/False Film Fest lasts for three days. The text should have read that the annual Fest lasts for four days.

The True/False Film Fest returns to Columbia March 2 through March 5. Over these four days, a combination of over 60 documentary and short films will bring in people from around the globe to experience the Fest. These films are adorned by a variety of events, including parties, art exhibitions and musical showcases.

Featuring over 39 musical artists, the Fest brings in musicians from across the globe, while also providing a platform to local performers. Beginning on Wednesday, audiences can witness 11 concert opportunities across downtown Columbia, most of which require either a ticket purchase or pass.

However, for those interested in experiencing the music side of the Fest on a low budget, there are four concert events that are free and open to the public:

Eastside Happy Hour

Friday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at Eastside Tavern

Drona, a multi-genre sibling band from Columbia, is joined by Mold Gold, an indie-folk duo from St. Louis, for one of two concerts hosted by Eastside Tavern, a venue known for its karaoke and prominent location in the heart of downtown Columbia. Drona released a new album, “keen eyes with a grim smile,” Jan. 27, and this marks the band’s second year playing the Fest. Mold Gold also recently released new music — its five-track LP, “5 dreams i had,” came out Jan. 14.

Arcade District Outdoor Showcase

Saturday, March 4 at 2 p.m. in the outdoor Arcade District stage

A bit farther from the usual downtown venues, this outdoor showcase is the first ever True/False musical event to happen in Columbia’s new and growing Arcade District located on Fay Street. The event performers are Kyren Penrose, a Columbia native and True/False alum, and Eli Winter, a Chicago-based artist joining the Fest for the first time. Together, Penrose and Winter’s music will embody an authentic sense of Midwestern pride, highlighting the Missouri setting to its global audience.

Sanctuary Showcase

Saturday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church

More tranquil than the other public events, the Sanctuary Showcase will feature Oklahoma-based harpist Moriah Bailey and multi-instrumentalist Macie Stewart from Chicago, both supported by their own groups of classical musicians. For Bailey and Stewart, this year marks their True/False debut as independently highlighted performers. True to its name, this showcase will provide guests with a respite from the downtown crowds, allowing for a free moment of peace during True/False’s busiest night.

Hitt Records Sessions

Sunday, March 5 at 6 p.m. at Hitt Records

Right next door to Ragtag Cinema, the Hitt Records Session is the last musical showcase of the Fest before its closing tradition, Buskers Last Stand. The concert presents the Columbia-based soft-rock group The Onions with St. Louis-based guitarist and songwriter Joey Ferber. Attendees will hear selections from the band’s latest album, “Coy Pond,” along with Ferber’s recent experimental work. Together, these musicians will send the Fest into its closing evening, melding The Onions’ distinctive surfer rock with Ferber’s amalgamation of musical genres in a performance echoing the diversity of the Fest itself.

True/False provides attendees with a multi-medium cultural experience. Navigating the Fest on a low budget can be a challenge, but these free musical showcases present audiences with a costless opportunity to be a part of Columbia’s hallmark event.

For those who have purchased passes for the Fest, other eclectic artists to watch include the bedroom-pop group Discus, experimental jazz artist Landlady and DJ Jessy Lanza. With others, these musicians will cover the remaining True/False venues of Cafe Berlin, Rose Music Hall and The Blue Note respectively, coming together from around the world to create a distinctive experience.

Edited by Savvy Sleevar | ssleevar@themaneater.com
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