It is time to fly. SXSW Music week starts today in sleepy old Austin, Texas. Which, for this week is anything but sleepy or old. In fact I would say it is rather caffeinated and ready for the party. I've been attending this yearly rite of passage into spring for the last couple of decades. I've seen it ebb and flow, changing from an industry heavy event, and now larger than life as the word continues to get out about what a good time it is.
This week, my radio station, Sun Radio, is broadcasting 45 plus bands from Maudie's Triangle in the morning, and from El Mercado on S.1st in the afternoon starting today. The schedule can be found here. Gonna see a lot of old friends, among them Jimmy Lafave, James McMurtry, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Band Of Heathens, and and get introduced to some brand new ones too. Not to mention how great it will be to be back in Austin!
Barbecue, Tex Mex and music everywhere, sounds like a bit of heaven set amongst the bluebonnets. The one thing I am already missing is the Music Fog crew. Not having an opportunity for Music Fog to film is a tad weird, but you can listen in on Sun Radio. Of course if you are in Austin, you are welcome to stop by, no badges or wristbands needed.
My comrade in arms, Mama Shi is doing something very cool this week too, as Freebirds is presenting their St Vincent DePaul stage on S. Congress with a stellar line up for 3 days and 30 bands. No badges or wristbands needed either, but give Mama Shi a hug for me when you see her. Rosie Flores takes the stage on Thursday at 4:15. The Foggers had the honor of filming Rosie once again at Midtown Live when she was in NYC touring with Dale Watson back in January. Here is "Little, But I'm Loud," done up Music Fog style.
-Jessie Scott