SXSW, Friday, Day Parties and Conv Center

SXSW is really a commitment. There are shows around the clock, and you've got to get up pretty early in the morning for some performances. I didn't. Every year, I hope to make it to the KGSR Four Seasons morning broadcasts, but every year, I sleep in. I couldn't even get it going in time to see Old 97's at 8:30am, and you know how much I like them. I did managed to scurry out of my home in time to catch a bit of Rhett and Murry at their KUT set at the Hilton though (9:45am, a little better).

Then it was on to the Convention Center to see some shows on the day stage. It's a great way to see a happening band without all the crowds and late-night mayhem. I finally got to see Fitz and the Tantrums, who are great and have played a million shows this week. Really an amazing fun act. I also caught a bit of the Black Angels and Black Joe Lewis in there, too (apparently, having the word "black" in your name is a good strategy. Think about it). I even caught a really cool panel while I was in there on engaging super fans as a marketing amplifier.

Then it was the last SX performances of Old 97's, the Brooklyn Vegan party at Barbarella and then a quick hike to Maggie Mae's for a Rhett/Murry duo. I could have called it quits right there and been content, but there's more to come for Friday night. Stay tuned.

Black Angels

Black Joe

Fitz and the Tantrums were completely amazing, even for the 2pm afternoon crowd. They had everyone up on their feet and dancing!

Where's Ken?

There he is. Nice rockstar move, jumping into the crowd for the big finish on Time Bomb!

Old 97's Every Night is Friday Night (sorry left the gain down on my camera. They didn't sound this hollow)


Fitz and the Tantrums - Money Grabber


Old 97's Victoria


Rhett and Murry - Singular Girl


Rhett and Murry - Lonely Holiday

SXSW 2011, Thursday Night

Thursday night was a big night, featuring 2 of my favorites, back to back. Quiet Company at The Marq (where coincidentally they played for a party I helped put together for Interactive on Sunday night) and then the Old 97's. It wouldn't be SXSW if some legends weren't involved. Emmylou Harris was on the stage before the 97's (but I really couldn't get close enough for good photos or video) and none other than Exene Cervenka of the amazing '80s punk band X joined Rhett and crew for a rockin' Four Leaf Clover. It was an absolutely pitch-perfect night!

More air for Rhett.

Nite Club


Please Hold on While the Train is Moving


Four Leaf Clover, featuring Exene Cervenka


Quiet Company, On Modern Men

SXSW 2011, Thursday, New West Party

The Old 97's hit SXSW with a slighly more than 24 hour whirlwind, consisting of six shows across two days. Here's the first, the New West Party at the Belmont. It was a beautiful day with beautiful music and beautiful people!

And it's not rock 'n' roll, 'til someone bleeds on his new guitar!

Rhett Miller - singer, songwriter... and defy-er of gravity

New West artist Robert Elllis

New West artists Ponderosa

Dance Class


Perfume - preview of new song from Volume II


I'm a Trainwreck

SXSW 2011, Wednesday Highlights

Here are my Wed highlights. Great stuff, locals and legends.

My favorite local female singer, Pink Nasty

Augustana at Barbarella Patio

John Vanderslice at Red 7

Smoking Popes at Maggie Mae's

And... Duran Duran, at Stubbs

They sounded and looked great, but listening I realized they have some really stupid songs. I love Rio (which they didn't play) and Girls on Film (which I didn't hear, but they may have played after I left), but Hungry Like the Wolf, Wild Boys and Notorious are all just silly.