SXSW Tuesday: The Lull

I have no patience with the incurious.  What can they learn about life and what can anyone know without learning. -Sylvester Milner in The House of a Thousand Lanterns, by Victoria Holt, 1974 Though I took a long rest, I was still feeling beat down, the remnants from a brief cold.  I’ve heard from others … Read more

SXSW Day 3 + 4

My Friday and Saturday were true to form of many past years, centering on South Congress and socialization more than music. Though there were some notable music acts, still. I’ll try to transcribe my notes soon. I’m back in Houston, back to work, dealing with some wind damage, (cancelled plans for tonight), doing laundry, and … Read more

SXSW Day 2 – Andre to Andre

Usually after a few days the feet get sore.  And, though the Dr. Martens are very comfortable to walk in, they don’t provide much padding to stand in.  After only a day, my feet were a wee sore.

David Beebe had told be about a viewing of Agile, Mobile, Hostile: A Year with Andre Williams. It was actually the second of three screenings of its opening week. I didn’t have to wait long at 11:40 in the morning at the restored 6th Street theater which is now owned by Alamo Drafthouse. I was able to order lunch and watch the movie.

David showed a few minutes after I did, and Andre was sitting down front. It was an excellent film: lots of laughs, lots of historical information, a bit sad, and very well done.

Afterwards I checked out the Dell party, wall to wall people, in between bands, no easy access to a drink, so I left immediately. The traffic at I-35 was insane with zero posibility for taxis getting anywhere close to me, so I walked to Conngress, quickly flagged a cab, and headed toward my impounded car past the airport.

A $25 ride + $193 later I was headed back to the music. I parked near S. Congress, a block from the Continental Club, and walked to Jo’s.

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SXSW Day 1 – Free Beer, No Map

Well, I was set to cheerily blog about my first day, but I am without Dr Pepper.  And upon going to get some from my car which I left at Mary Ellen’s place yesterday afternoon, I find it gone.  Not just the DP, but my car as well.  So, I must wait till 10am to call the office and find out who they use to tow.

I avoided the covered and labeled parking, but apparently I didn’t find the guest zone.  Good thing I took my clothes and computer into her apartment!

As for yesterday’s music.  Bob and I picked up our wristbands a bit after noon, and headed to Red Eye Fly.  The Explorers Club was playing and were quite good.  Lee was there.  Lance soon showed up.

We headed to Mohawk for the Austinist/Gothamist party.  They never seem to have a great line up, but we were there for the VIP free food and beer.  After that a stop at Creekside for free PBR and Catfish Haven and Midgetmen, then another stop back at Mohawk where we ran into Eric from the Houstonist.

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The Sadies

It’s been years since I’ve seen the Sadies [Anna Leigh mp3]. They’re one of the most amazingly beautiful and rich western-style bands I’ve ever heard. It borders on the orchestral. They’ll be at SXSW this year, and they’re very high on my list!