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

Sam & Ruby "This I Know"

Nashville gets a bad rap when people think its only musical dimension is mainstream country. For that is just not the whole story. Meet Nashville pop/folk duo Sam & Ruby. Their debut album, The Here And The Now, was named Associated Press’ Album Of 2009 by Nekesa Moody. Moody noted in her year-end AP piece: “Their blend of acoustic folk, country and soul sounds homespun, as though they've been making music together for a lifetime. And they've reached near-perfection with this CD.” Americana is a big tent. It incorporates all kinds of roots music. And yes, the soul's got to be in there.

Since Sam & Ruby will be touring through DC when the Music Foggers are down in Austin, we figured we'd bring this tasty musical treat your way.

-Jessie

Sam & Ruby - The Here and the Now (Bonus Track Version) - This I Know

Kevin Welch "Andaman Sea"

Kevin Welch and Music Fog have been playing proverbial footsy for a while. Not to say that we haven't had the pleasure, as he did grace our Threadgill's stage last year for one song. But there have been so many other times we were in the same space, but just couldn't get together for this or that reason. And you know, Mr. Welch is much in demand. He has this great welcoming aura, it makes you want to be around him. And what with Music Fog having done video of his kids, with son Dustin in Steamboat, and daughter Savannah with The Trishas in various places, well it was just Kevin's time.

When he got on the bus, he apologized for the songs being so mournful. He says that his forthcoming CD will all be like that. We did our best to break the mood in between songs. Sadness notwithstanding, we are so glad to have had him. Oh man, this is how it's done. It is personal, writing is. At least when it is at its best.

We're honored to debut "Andaman Sea" here on Music Fog.

-Jessie

Kevin Welch