SXSW

[bostonphil]

I live in Austin, Texas.  We are in the middle of SXSW 2011, a huge event.  It is a media, film, interactive and music conference and festival.  It gets a lot of national and worldwide attention and exposure.  I wonder if any FC members have come to SXSW in the past or are here now.  If so, what was your experiences?  Myself, I go out to the free music shows and showcases and there are plenty.  But I think SXSW is getting out of control.  I know that most Austin residents are glad when it is over.   

[trucktina]

I've never been out to the festival, but I know people who have. They say it's nuts!

I meant to ask... which shows have you seen this year, and were they worth the effort? Which shows in the past are the most memorable?

[bostonphil]

I go to the free shows only.  I go out daytimes and I make a point of being home early because SXSW has gotten out of control.  I go to specific places such as Whole Foods, Waterloo Records and Jo's Coffee Shop.   I seldom recognize the names of the bands or musicians but usually the music is good to excellent at these places. I try to explore and discover.   You can't go wrong because it is free and usually the music is always good.  Tomorrow, I plan to spend the entire afternoon at Threadgil's.  The Folk Alliance is hosting an all day showcase of folk, singer-songwriter, acoustic music.   Unfortunately, SXSW has gotten so large and so out of control that a lot of enjoyment has been lost.  It has become very exhausting and stressful.  I am always home by 8 pm.  I know people who choose to leave town rather than deal with SXSW.  I love hearing about people's experiences at SXSW.