High Temp: 70F
As the birds begin chirping and the bluebonnets begin to bloom, the minds of all Austinite's turn to one thing... no, not spring. South by Southwest! Abbreviated SXSW to those of us in ATX, SXSW is one of the premiere arts/tech festivals in the nation. And it is not just for music lovers, despite what you may think you know. SXSW has a large film festival and also features Interactive, a most intriguing festival component featuring presentations by top leaders across a multitude of industries. Beginning today, tastemakers from around the world will descend on my fair city to see, hear, tweet, blog and generally experience the best of what's new in music, video games, film, technology, etc. etc.
It is exciting. It's also intimidating. Not even taking into account the "official" festival activities, there are literally HUNDREDS of presentations/screenings/chats/shows/events taking place every day. They take place in pizza joints, churches, retail stores, bars and of course some of the best professional music venues in the nation. Much of it is free, and some of the neatest stuff isn't even announced anywhere. You just have to know someone, or be in the right place at the right time.
If you think I am overstating, I want you to do two things for me. First, check out the official SXSW schedule. That is crazy enough, but now head on over to look at this schedule. Notice the bright sea-foam "unofficial" denotation. With well over 50 unofficial parties happening each day of the music fest, just how would you would decide how to answer the question "What are you doing Friday?" It's impossible to decide!
PS- Schubas, the legendary Chicago music venue, is hosting a party during SXSW, as many of town clubs and radio stations will do. I think it is indicative of just how ever-present this festival is to note that the well respected Schubas will be presenting their show at Yard Dog the awesome and seriously teeny-tiny art gallery about 2 blocks from my apartment. It's all around you, you cannot escape!
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LUCKY DUCK! When I heard you guys were moving to Austin THIS was the first thing I thought about (followed closely by the Bat bridge...). I'm so excited it is time for you to experience it. Maybe next year I'll come down and you can show me around as a seasoned veteran!
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you are most welcomed to visit anytime. in fact, if you visit before we move out of this complex, you would be happy to find that the bat bridge is just a 10 minute leisurly walk from our apartment!
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