Postcards from SXSW

Journal Entry #45

March 19, 2023

This past week we have been DEEP in the belly of the whale that is SXSW - The South by Southwest Festival, (affectionately called “South By” by most).

It’s official. The “orange carpet”!

Those of you who know me well, know that I am a deeply enthusiastic appreciator of music. My listening tastes are eclectic and run the gamut. I love discovering new music and have a soft spot for all things independent —artists, music producers/labels, venues, and radio stations.

Repping my fave radio station, WRFI of Ithaca, NY. I sit on the Board of Directors of this small but mighty independent, non commercial radio station.

In my humble opinion, watching musicians perform live ranks as one of the best experiences to be had on the planet. Live music is an amazing combination of art, poetry, emotion and passion, energy, community, connection and humanity all rolled into one beautiful, unpredictable package. Each live performance is totally unique; the music you hear will never exist exactly that same way ever again. It is an experience that is specific to that exact moment. Live music is a sort of magic alchemy I love. It makes me feel all of the feels.

Badges and big smiles!

Spending six days at SXSW in Austin surrounded by artists, sharing great music and experiencing it with people who have a similar appreciation, made me giddy. It felt almost like a week-long Christmas morning — where you get to open a bunch of really amazing gifts with a big joyful tribe.

Austin at night

Needless to say, Tom and I went ALL IN and took full advantage of what was on offer. We attended conference panels and films (I urge you to see Food and Country if/when it comes out in theatres) and art markets. I managed to catch up with some friends as well as do some professional networking for non profit consulting gigs. We ate lots of great tacos and drank well.

Feeling all the feels.

But the piece de resistance of the conference was seeing outstanding live music of all genres in a wide variety of settings — from intimate lounges to outdoor day parties to venerable Austin venues and clubs.

Seriously, though. We crushed it. Over the six days:

• We walked over 70 miles, averaging nearly 10 miles per day

• We never made it to bed before 1 am. A big thank you to P. Terry’s - the (very) late night take-out burger joint!

• We managed to see and enjoy OVER 35 bands/artists; some were completely new to us, some are long-time favorites.

Our top music moments of the week:

• Myron Elkins at Mala Vida

• Thao at Central Presbyterian Church

• Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs and Oh He Dead at Parish NIVA day party

• Tribe Friday at The Belmont

• War and Treaty and Sunflower Bean at Empire

• The Bros Fresh at Sonic Guild day party

• Son Rompe Pera & Be Your Own Pet at SX San Jose day party

• David Wax Museum and Konrad Wert at The Continental Club

• Thee Sacred Souls, The Nude Party, and Ron Gallo at Empire

• Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas at Antone’s

Postcards from SXSW

We left Austin today, with hearts full and ears happy, Time to unwind. Next stop, Big Bend National Park.

PS - music friends and fellow enthusiasts I’m happy to share the full list of bands we saw and talk shop with you (I’ve got lots more pics and vids!) How many of you feel the same way about live music? Do you remember the first concert you saw that started it all?

Magic and alchemy…