SXSW

SXSW was last week. If you're in Austin, this is not news to you. If you're in the music business, it's not news to you either.

I haven't gone to any SXSW events since wrist bands were, say $25.00. Considering they were selling this year for $150.00, that means it's been at least 10-15 years. Lordy, that makes me feel pretty damn old.

This year, thanks to my addiction to KEXP, I was interested in SXSW for the first time in a long time. However, paying over $100 for a wrist band was not an option. Luckily, there were plenty of free shows during the week. I had no idea.

KEXP was in town broadcasting live Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from the Austin City Limits studios, which is conveniently located about a block from my office. They called for volunteers, and I answered. I hung out there on Wednesday for about 3 1/2 hours giving out free stuff, directing people into the studio and to the bathrooms, talking to people and enjoying music. I got to meet DJs Cheryl Waters and Kevin Cole, and they were amazingly nice. I saw Editors and tapes 'n tapes. Both bands were fabulous. Great station, great people, great music, great time.

I went to a free house party on Thursday with Carrie. There was free beer, dogs and children in the Maplewood neighborhood in East Austin that afternoon. How much do I love Austin? I wanted very badly to see Rocky Votolato, as I love his album Makers. I was not disappointed. He said he was not well, but you could have fooled me. He sounded wonderful. The Long Winters were next, and though I didn't know much about them, I thought they were great too. I'll be grabbing their CD once I get a chance.

After that, I called Robin and asked if she wanted to go to the free Town Lake show. She was luckily game (thanks Robin!) and we headed out there. I caught the end of the Blackalicious set. I wish I had seen more. They were amazing! I held out through Spoon, who were great as well. By that time, I was feeling my age, and headed home. Reports are that Echo and the Bunnymen put on a great show, and I guess I should have stayed. Oh well.

Friday we went to the Jane party downtown and a new place called the Beauty Bar. More free drinks and free food. Carrie, Robin, Shanna, Dana and I ate, drank, and did lots of people watching. We saw some of Film School (good) What Made Milwaukee Famous (very good) and Of Montreal (also very good and super entertaining). I wanted to stay around for Nada Surf, but Darrel and Emma were home from their spring break camping trip, I was tired and a bit tipsy, and decided I should be responsible and go home. As I drove past Club Deville, I heard Clap Your Hands Say Yeah who were playing yet another free show (well $2.00) there. Dang, if I had been younger, and had no responsibilities!

And so ended 2006 SXSW for Angela. I had a great time and can't wait until next year.