SXSW

Where's Pedro?

At Music Fog, we usually work in secret. Sequestered on tour buses, in green rooms, and other undisclosed locations, we keep our methods and our madness away from prying eyes.

But this week is different. We're at Threadgill's World Headquarters in Austin for four full days, recording not just in plain sight, but in front of a live audience. We made it through the first day of performances, featuring an array of amazing Americana music artists, plus a few surprises and special guests. You'll see all of that in great detail in future posts, but first, we wanted to bring you a quick overview.

Through the miracle of modern technology, we're proud to present a full day of Fog in less time than it takes to zap a frozen burrito. Keep an eye out for our new mascot, Pedro Tito -- he's hopping around onstage with the rest of us. So if you're one of those brave souls who likes to see how the sausage gets made...click away. And if you're in Austin, we've still got three more days of music down here at Threadgill's!

-- Chris

SXSW Music Marathon

Sunday. The Sunday before the music insanity starts at SXSW in Austin, TX. Not that the town isn't already expanding its population, as the SXSW Film and Interactive Festival is already underway. Hard to get into the favorite restaurants, to get a cab, to get across town. And this is only the beginning. Sunday, the day of rest. But not for Music Fog. The marathon starts rolling now.

I don't know why every time we hit the road, it is a THING, but it just is. There will be the ceremonial loading of the pickup truck, its bed chock full as the guys tetris the gear, lovingly ensconced in road cases, into the back. There will be God awful early driving as they embark on the 28 hour trip from DC to Texas. And then the unload, the set up, and the REAL marathon begins. Wednesday through Saturday's 45 acts that will come to play for us at Threadgill's WHQ, 301 W Riverside, in the back room in South Austin.

You don't need to have a badge or wristband to access our shows. All are welcome to this unofficial SXSW gig. It's a great way to spend a bit of time. Come hungry and thirsty, and here are two hot tips from the menu: Chicken Fried Steak, and Peach Cobbler. I have been known to enjoy the latter for breakfast. That's because after our shoot day, we convene to edit, write and upload. Tumble into bed hoping to get 5 hours of sleep, and hit it again the next day. So really, breakfast as a sit down concept is just out of the question, as it would remove yet another hour of sleep from an already shortened overnight. Not to sound like I am bitching. Once we get into "the zone" it all seems so normal to function this way. And EVERYONE in Austin will be in the exact same mindset. You are not an alien if the entire community is doing it.

If you are not attending SXSW this year, put it on your list for next. Austin is a jewel. Especially in March with the first blush of spring. SXSW is an opportunity to immerse yourself in music from the moment you open your eyes to the time that you close them. It is a blast. We can't wait to start bringing our celebration to you!

-Jessie

Wednesday March 17, 2010

  • 11:20---11:40  Troy Campbell
  • 12:20---12:40  Rosie Flores
  • 1:20---1:40     The Wronglers
  • 2:20---2:40     Uncle Lucius
  • 3:20---3:40     The Trishas
  • 4:20---4:40     Sahara Smith
  • 5:10---5:30     James McMurtry
  • 5:40---6:00     Jess Klein
  • 6:20---6:40     Winchester Twin
  • 7:20---7:40     Rykarda Parasol

Thursday March 18, 2010

  • 11:20---11:40  Luke Doucet & Melissa McClelland
  • 12:20---12:40  Kasey Anderson
  • 1:10---1:30     Ray Wylie Hubbard
  • 1:40---2:00     Gurf Morlix
  • 2:20---2:40     Joe Ely
  • 3:20---3:40     Stone River Boys
  • 4:20---4:40     Warren Hood & The Hoodlums
  • 5:10---5:30     Catherine MacLellan
  • 5:40---6:00     Lynn Miles
  • 6:20---6:40     Asylum Street Spankers
  • 7:10---7:30     Danny Barnes
  • 7:40---8:00     Margo Valiante

Friday March 19, 2010

  • 11:10---11:30  James Hyland
  • 11:40---12:00  Kevin Russell and Shinyribs
  • 12:20---12:40  Miss Tess & The Bon Ton Parade
  • 1:20---1:40     Annie & The Beekeepers
  • 2:20---2:40     Elliott BROOD
  • 3:20---3:40     Guy Forsyth
  • 4:20---4:40     Chris Berardo & The Desberardos
  • 5:20---5:40     The Nadas
  • 6:20---6:40     Bill Kirchen
  • 7:20---7:40     Steve Poltz
  • 8:20---8:40     Carrie Rodriguez

Saturday March 20, 2010

  • 11:20---11:40  Chatham County Line
  • 12:20---12:40  Stonehoney
  • 1:20---1:40     Deep Dark Woods
  • 2:20---2:40     Elliot Randall
  • 3:20---3:40     Jack Grace Band
  • 4:20---4:40     Austin Collins & The Rainbirds
  • 5:10---5:30     David Beck & The Well Dressed Thieves
  • 6:20---6:40     Matt King
  • 7:10---7:30     Chris Scruggs
  • 7:50---8:10     Eleven Bones