More than 1,800 bands will descend (that's right -- descend, as in hordes, like locusts) on Austin, Texas, March 18-22 for the annual South by Southwest Festival. If you've made plans to go, it's hard not to become overwhelmed at the thought of how to figure out who to see and when.
Wait. Let me rephrase that: once the tsunami of media, music and beer that is SXSW completely takes you under, only then can you submit to the task of assembling a reasonable schedule of events for yourself. You have to give in to the idea that it's impossible to see it all, or else you'll succumb to a wave of exasperation. It's best just to accept it, prioritize and marvel at the the powerful mystique that is this juggernaut of conferences.
If you want to stay in control and haven't already organized your five days in Austin hour by hour, the official Prefix Showcasin' Cheat Sheet is here to help.
What: My Old Kentucky Blog Showcase
When: Wednesday, March 18, starting at 8 p.m.
Where: The Radio Room, 508 E. 6th St.
Why: Great lineup as follows: The Phenomenal Handclap Band, 8 p.m.; Starfucker, 9 p.m.; Red Cortez, 10 p.m.; The Grates, 11 p.m.; Viva Voce, 12 a.m.; and Delta Spirit, 1 a.m.
What: Levi's/Fader Fort Party
When: Wednesday, March 18 - Saturday, March 21, 1 - 9 p.m.
Where: TBA
What: Guitartown/Conqueroo 2009 SXSW Kickoff Party
When: Wednesday, March 18, noon–10:30 p.m.
Where: Fado Irish Pub, 214 W. 4th St.
Why: Lots of folk-rock acts from around the U.S. An “ass-kicking” after-party starts at 10:30 p.m. with Holly Golightly. It's free and no wristband is required, but you'll need to print off the invitation at here.
What: Force Field PR & Terrorbird Media SXSW '09 Blowout
When: Wednesday March 18, noon–6p.m.
Where: Red 7, 611 E. 7th St. at Red River
Why: So many good reasons. It's free, open to the public of all ages, and there's no need to RSVP. Oh, and the lineup: Vivian Girls, Beach House, The Thermals, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Themselves, Yoni Wolf, Max Tundra, Wavves, Loney Dear, Shout Out Out Out Out, Fol Chen, Lake, Rainbow Arabia, DMG$ and Larytta.
What: Can't Stop the Bleeding Showcase
When: Wednesday, March 18, 1–6 p.m.
Where: 711 ½ Red River
Why: Free, all ages. Lineup: Endless Boogie, The Homosexuals, Turbo Fruits, Eat Skull, The Young, Dikes of Holland and Psychedelic Horseshit.
What: Spaceland SXSW Throw Down
When: Wednesday, March 18, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Maggie Mae's, 323 E. 6th St.
What: KCRW Official Showcase
When: Wednesday, March 18, 8 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Billiards, 201 E. 6th St.
Why: Last year some of KCRW's acts won Grammys. Lineup: Ida Maria, School of Seven Bells, Port O’Brien, Angus and Julia Stone, Other Lives and Boat People.
What: Asthmatic Kitty, K Records & Tomlab 2009 SXSW All-Star Revue
When: Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m.
Where: Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Why: If you miss or can't get into the Forcefield showcase, this is the alternative. It's an official SXSW Showcase, so you will need a badge or wristband, but with some luck and an early arrival you might be able to get in with a cover. Lineup at the Indoor Bar: Grampall Jookabox, 8 p.m.; Lake, 9 p.m.; Fol Chen, 10 p.m.; Rafter, 11 p.m.; DM Stith, 12 a.m.; Jeremy Jay, 1 a.m.; Outdoor/Backyard Lineup: What´s Up?, 8.15 p.m.; No Kids, 9.15 p.m.; Desolation Wilderness, 10.15 p.m.; Tara Jane O`Neil, 11.15 p.m.; Parenthetical Girls, 12.15 p.m.; Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, 1.15 p.m.
What: Austinist Presents Gonna Gonna Get Down
When: Wednesday, March 18, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: The Mohawk, 912 Red River
Why: It's the website's annual SXSW party and it's free for those 21 and older. Lineup: Akron/Family, Vetiver, the Mae Shi, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, Gringo Star, J Tillman, Young Widows, Here We Go Magic, Kevin Devine, Caitlin Rose, Garotas Suecas, TV/TV, Telekinesis, and a DJ set by Ceeplus Bad Knives.
What: 4AD at SXSW
When: Wednesday, March 18, 8 p.m.
Where: Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. 8th St.
Why: Camera Obscura, St. Vincent, Department of Eagles, M. Ward, Anni Rossi
What: NPR Music Showcase with the Decemberists
When: Wednesday, March 18, 12 a.m.
Where: Stubb's, 801 Red River
Why: The band will perform all 17 songs off their new album, Hazards of Love, in sequence. Lavender Diamond's Becky Stark and My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden (who appears on the album) will join the group on stage. Also performing on the bill is the Avett Brothers, Heartless Bastards, Ladyhawke and Janelle Monae.
What: Suicide Squeeze Official SXSW Showcase
When: Wednesday, March 18
Where: Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River
Why: A decent showcase of the Seattle label's range of talent. Lineup: Champagne Champagne, 8 p.m.; The Coathangers, 9 p.m.; Cotton Jones, 10 p.m.; Human Highway, 11 p.m.; Past Lives, 12 p.m.; These Arms Are Snakes, 1 a.m.
What: BigStereo: Lose ControlParty
When: Thursday, March 19–Saturday, March 21, 12 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: Canvas Bar and Gallery, 105 E. 5th Suite 113
Why: Huge three-day DJ showcase with Le Castle Vania headlining.
What: Team Clermont/Utne Reader College Day Party
When: Thursday, March 19, 12–6 p.m.
Where: Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th St.
Why: Music by Mirah, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Modern Skirts, Slaraffenland, Telekinesis, Ruby Isle, Rafter (DJ Set), and Loney Dear featuring Wildbirds & Peacedrums.
What: Rubydog Music Presents the Dog and Pony Show
When: Thursday March 19, 12 p.m.
Where: Opal Divine’s Freehouse, 700 W. 6th St.
Why: Lineup: The Savage Trip, noon; Willem Maker, 1 p.m.; Twilight Hotel, 2 p.m.; Dawes, 3 p.m.; The Henry Clay People, 4 p.m.; Vetiver, 5 p.m.; The Penny Jo Pullus Band, 6 p.m.; Austin Collins & The Rainbirds, 7 p.m.
What: Gorillavsbear.net: Gorilla Vrs. Booze Showcase
When: Thursday, March 19
Where: The Peacock, 515 Pedernales St.
Why: Free, 21-plus and no RSVP. Lineup: Vivian Girls, White Denim, Wavves, The Golden Filter, Girls, Here We Go Magic, Harlem and DJ Sober.
What: The Official After the Jump SXSW Showcase
When: Thursday, March 19, 8 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: The Rusty Spurs Saloon, 405 E 7th St.
Why: Lineup: Bearsuit, Drink Up, Buttercup, Fight Bite, Bloodsugars, Eugene McGuiness and A Classic Education.
What: Tricycle Records and The Bay Bridged Present the Second Annual Bay Area Takeover
When: Thursday, March 19, noon–6 p.m.
Where: Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th St.
Why: Lineup: Mike Relm, Vetiver, The Morning Benders, Sholi, Thee Oh Sees, The Heavenly States, Wallpaper, The Frail, Two Sheds, The Union Trade, French Miami, Lilofee and The Red Verse.
What: Absolutely Kosher Records Showcase
When: Thursday, March 19, 10 p.m.
Where: Prague, 422 Congress Ave.
What: Fool's Gold After Dark!
When: Thursday, March 19, 12 a.m. - 5 a.m.
Where: Palm Door, 401 Sabine St.
What: Documentary Screening: All Tomorrow's Parties
When and Where: Thursday, March 19, 5 p.m. @ Paramount, and Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m. @ Alamo Ritz 1
What: Green Label Sounds' Official SXSW Showcase
When: Thursday, March 19
Where: Opal Divine's Freehouse, 700 W. 6th St.
Why: Matt and Kim's only SXSW appearance this year. Playing with them: Flosstradamus, The Soft Pack, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Kuroma and Holy Ghost.
What: Found Magazine and Quack Media
When: Thursday, March 19, noon–6 p.m.
Where: Red 7, 611 E. 7th St.
Why: Free, all ages show, but you must RSVP. Lineup: The Hold Steady, No Age, Lucero, The Tallest Man on Earth, The Hard Lessons, Human Highway, Great Lakes Myth Society, Adam Stephens, Javelins and The Magic.
What: Music By The Slice
When: Thursday, March 19–Saturday, March 21
Where: Home Slice Pizza, 1415 South Congress
Why: Three days of music all free; no RSVP or wristband required. Lineup includes Von Bondies, Dead Confederate, Deer Tick, The Rosebuds, Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Fences, Mt. St. Helen's Band, Port O'Brien, and lots more.
What: Rhapsody Rocks Austin 2009
When: Thursday, March 19, noon
Where: The Mohawk, 912 Red River
Why: Solid lineup, and it's free, but a RSVP is required. Lineup: Trail of Dead, Glasvegas, School of Seven Bells, Vivian Girls, and DJ $mall ¢hange.
What: Universal Republic Records Showcase
When: Thursday, March 19
Where: La Zona Rosa, 612 W 4th St.
Why: Get your big names here: Lil Jon and Tori Amos. Iglu & Hartly, Erin McCarley, Rocco Deluca and the Burden, Gabriella Cilmi and Steel Panther also play the bill.
What: Afro-punk Show
When: Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces
Why: “Genre-crushing mixtaper” Colin Monroe, Janelle Monae, Big Boi, The Dallas Austin Experience and more.
What: Andrew Bird
When: Thursday, March 19, 11 p.m.
Where: Stubb's Bar-B-Q, 801 Red River
Why: Lots of names playing this bill: 3oh!3, 7:15 p.m.; Katy Perry, 8 p.m.; The Meat Puppets, 9 p.m.; Gomez, 10 p.m.; and Ben Harper, 12 a.m.
What: Sub Pop Showcase
When: Thursday, March 19, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Where: Red Room, 508 E. 6th St.
Why: Vetiver, Tiny Vipers, Blitzen Trapper, Handsome Furs, etc.
What: Brooklyn Vegan Party with Cursive
When: Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m.
Where: Radio Room, 508 E. 6th St.
Why: Two-stage day party with the Avett Brothers and Daniel Johnston, the infamous Austin personality.
What: NPR Presents: Music for the Right Brain
When: Friday, March 20, 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
Where: The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.
Why: Blitzen Trapper, BlindPilot, Dirty Projectors, Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down
What: Misra Records Showcase
When: Friday, March 20, 8 p.m.
Where: The Tap Room, 311 Colorado St.
What: Grand Ole Party of Bootleggers and Tastemakers
When: Friday, March 20, 1–8 p.m.
Where: Peckerheads, 402 E. 6th St.
Why: A good hip-hop lineup: Mickey Factz, Blu & Exile, Curren$y, Charles Hamilton, Buff1, Blue Scholars, Tanya Morgan, Brother Ali, Black Spade, Nato Caliph and Rockwell Knuckle. RSVP.
What: After the Jump Unofficial House Party
When: Friday, March 20, 1–11 p.m.
Where: ATJ Backyard, 1204 Salina St.
Why: Free Red Stripe and a sweet lineup: Superdrag, the Parenthetical Girls, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cause Co-Motion, Blank Dogs, Nite Jewel, Girls, Golden Triangle and U.S. Royalty.
What: Terrorbird/True Panther/Badical Beats Sick Jamz SXSW Party
When: Friday, March 20, 2 p.m.–12 a.m.
Where: Baby Acapulco #3, 5610 N IH35
What: Under The Radar Magazine SXSW Party
When: Friday, March 20, 12 pm
Where: Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th St.
What: Noise Pop SXSW Showcase
When: Friday, March 20
Where: The Mohawk, 912 Red River
What: Hot Freaks SXSW Day Party
When: Friday, March 20-Saturday, March 21, noon–6 p.m.
Where: Club De Ville (900 Red River) and Mohawk (912 Red River)
Why: Obits, The Thermals, The Wrens, the Hold Steady, Bishop Allen, Handsome Furs, Vivian Girls, Viva Voca. RSVP required.
What: SFxSXSW
When: Friday, March 20, 12:30–6 p.m.
Where: Antone's, 213 W. 5th St.
Why: If you've missed other opportunities to see Vetiver, now is your chance. RSVP required, ages 21 and older. Lineup: Vetiver, Or the Whale, The Federalists, LoveLikeFire, Botticellis, Dizzy Balloon, Sleepy Sun, The Stone Foxes, Maus Haus, HOTTUB! An evening showcase starting at 8 p.m. will feature the Morning Benders, the Matches, the Lovemakers, Scissors for Lefty, Loquat and When Girls Collide.
What: Standard Recording and Craftster Day Party
When: Friday, March 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: The Art Project, 301 Chicon St.
Why: Daniel Martin Moore, Amo Joy, Grampall Jookabox, Everthus the Deadbeats, Maps & Atlases, Haley Bonar, Casper & the Cookies, Kentucky Knightmare, and Of Great and Mortal Men.
What: Bloodshot Records SXSW
When: Friday, March 20, noon
Where: Yard Dog, 1510 S. Congress
Why: Lotsa music. Lineup: Walter Salas-Humara/I’m Not Jim, 12:15; Andre Williams, 12:45; Charlie Pickett, 1:15; Dex Romweber Duo, 1:45; Ha Ha Tonka, 2:15; Exene Cervenka, 2:45; Deadstring Brothers, 3:30; The Meat Purveyors, 4:15; Justin Townes Earle, 4:45; Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, 5:15; Waco Brothers with Rosie Flores, 5:45.
What: The Onion AV Club SXSW Day Show 2009
When: Friday, March 20, noon–6p.m.
Where: Radio Room, 508 E. 6th St.
Why: The lineup: At the outside stage, Cuff the Duke, noon; The Thermals, 1 p.m.; Gentleman Reg, 2 p.m.; Cut Off Yr Hands, 3 p.m.; Ra Ra Riot, 4 p.m.; Trail Of Dead, 5 p.m. At the inside stage, Ohbijou, noon; Chikita Violenta, 1 p.m.; Young Galaxy, 2 p.m.; Dappled Cities, 3 p.m.; Parenthetical Girls, 4 p.m.; Future of the Left, 5 p.m.
What: Mile Hi-Fidelity SXSW Day Show
When: Friday, March 20, 2–7 p.m.
Where: Jackalope, 404 E. 6th St.
Why: Denver's finest. Lineup: The Epilogues, 2 p.m.; Meese, 2:45 p.m.; The Photo Atlas, 3:30 p.m.; Young Coyotes, 4:15 p.m.; Born in the Flood, 5 p.m.; Dressy Bessy, 5:45 p.m.; The Overcasters, 6:30 p.m.
What: BMI Presents Devo
When: Friday, March 20, 8 p.m.
Where: Austin Music Hall, 208 Nueces St.
Why: This Friday-night show marks Devo’s first appearance at SXSW. Also appearing are Tricky and Star Death and White Dwarves.
What: Spin@Stubb's Bash
When: Friday, March 20
Where: Stubb's Bar-B-Que, 801 Red River
What: Village Voice's Free SXSW Day Party with M. Ward, Cursive, Gomez, Bear Hands
When: Friday March 20, noon–5 p.m.
Where: La Zona Rosa, 612 W 4th St.
Why: It's free, and it should be great.
What: Cold Sweat Chicago Presents A Lot of Deejays
When: Friday, March 20, 7 p.m.–2 a.m.
Where: The Lodge, 411 6th St.
Why: Lots of DJs on four turntables. Goldenchyld, Kid Cut Up, Tate La Rock, Fishr Pryce, Kool Hersh, Marco Morales, Pickel, Intel, Expo, Teeko, Platurn, Hoodie Allen, Scott Matelic and Madadam.
What: Goner Records Showcase
When: Friday, March 20, 1 p.m.
Where: Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St.
Why: Free day show for those 21 and up with John Paul Keith and 145s, Overnight Lows, Digital Leather, No Comply, Viva L’American Death Ray Music and Nobunny.
What: Victim of Time Showcase
When: Saturday, March 21, 12:30–7 p.m.
Where: The Music Gym, 815 E. 6th St.
Why: Eclectic array of music. The lineup is Dead Ghosts, 12:30 p.m.; Guinea Worms, 1:15 p.m.; Christmas Island, 2 p.m.; Woven Bones, 2:45 p.m.; TV Ghost, 3:30 p.m.; Digital Leather, 4:15 p.m.; Intelligence, 5 p.m.; Eat Skull, 5:45 p.m.; and Psychedelic Horseshit, 6:30 p.m.
What: Coffee? No Pants! Presented by This Side Up
When: Saturday, March 21, 12 p.m.
Where: Red Eyed Fly, 715 Red River
Why: Solid acts - Loney Dear, Wheat, Titus Andronicus - hosted by Eugene Mirman. RSVP.
What: SxSeattle
When: Saturday, March 21, noon–6 p.m.
Where: The Palm Door, 401 Sabine St.
Why: All ages, free day party with Blue Scholars, Hey Marseilles, Dynah, Mt. St. Helen's Vietnam Band, New Faces, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Barcelona, Past Lives and Common Market.
What: Minty Fresh Showcase
When: Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.
Where: Submerged, 333 E. 2nd St.
What: The B-Side with Rachael Ray
When: Saturday, March 21, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Maggie Mae's, 323 E. 6th St.
Why: First-come, first-served for ages 21 and older. Her second year at SXSW with a solid lineup featuring the Hold Steady, New York Dolls, the Airborne Toxic Event, Ra Ra Riot, Bob Schneider, The Cringe (her husband's band), Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Semi Precious Weapons, The Thermals, John Pringle.
What: Urban Outfitters Showcase
When: Saturday, March 21, noon–6 p.m.
Where: Urban Outfitters Back Lot, 2406 Guadalupe St .
Why: The Urban Outfitters Showcase runs from Wednesday through Saturday with solid showcases each day. Saturday features Telepathe, Lemonade, the Chap, Rye Rye, Max Tundra and School of Seven Bells.
What: Mess With Texas 3
When: Saturday, March 21, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Waterloo Park, 12th and Red River
Why: Black Lips, Akron/Family, The Bronx, Abe Vigoda, Vivian Girls, B.O.B., Cursive, The Thermals, Monotonix, Busdriver.
What: Austin Town Hall Showcase
When: Saturday, March 21, 3–7 p.m.
Where: Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th St.
Why: First ever Austin Town Hall SXSW party. Free swag and music all day long. Lineup: Colourmusic, Whitman, Ruby Coast, Pretty & Nice and Dressy Bessy.
What: Mad Decent Texas Niteclub
When: Friday March 19 - Saturday, March 21, starts at 10 p.m.
Where: 1142 South Lamar Blvd.
Why: Diplo, Switch, Major Lazer, Po Po, Blaqstarr, Maluca, Toy Selectah, Rye Rye, Boy 8 Bit, Radioclit, Sega.
What: SoundExchange/musicFIRST
When: Saturday, March 21, 10 p.m.
Where: Stubb's, 801 Red River St.
Why: PJ Harvey and Jon Parish, Indigo Girls, Razorlight, White Lies and Parachute round out the bill.
What:MPress Records Day Show
When: Saturday, March 21, noon–5 p.m.
Where: The Soho Lounge, 217 E. 6th St.
Why: Music badge and RSVP required. Afternoon of music and free food and drinks with Katie Costello, Gregory Douglass, Melissa Ferrick, Amy Speace & the Tearjerks, and special guests.
What: Merge/Barsuk Showcase
When: Saturday, March 21, 8 p.m.
Where: The Parish, 214 E. 6th St.
What: All Yorkshire SXSW Showcase
When: Saturday, March 21, noon–3 p.m.
Where: Latitude 30, 512 San Jacinto
Why: If you're winding down after a week of partying, this three-hour party might do you right. Lineup: Sky Larkin, Wild Beasts, Rolo Tomassi, Paul Marshall and Talk to Angels.
So, basically, to get the most out of SXSW, you can't sleep for three days, and you can't stay at each event more than 30 min.