Once SXSW 2011 drew to a close, I had to ask myself for the first time in twenty years, am I getting too old for this shit? My feet are, at least.
More than any year previously, I’ve never seen so many people embarking on downtown at the same time. Usually, downtown during SXSW is full of badge and wristband wearers, but they were definitely outnumbered by the party goers this time around thanks to the increase in non-SXSW events going on.
I’ve also never heard of so many problems than there were this year. Whether it be the massive crowd breaking down the barrier at the free Strokes show at Auditorium Shores, the camera boom falling and injuring fans before OMD’s set at Stubb’s ,the near riot at Beauty Bar when Death From Above 1979 came on or the thousands of fans being texted that they were no longer on the RSVP list for Kanye West, things certainly seemed to be getting out of hand.
Fortunately, I wasn’t around to witness any of these incidences and that was by choice. While I understand why they (and the corporate sponsors) want to bring in the “big” names, for me I still view SXSW for what I always assumed it was originally intended for: discovering new bands. And there were quite a few great acts I did come across for the first time.
The highlight of my week was Brazilian artist, Roge at the Elephant Room. I’m no dancer, but with his samba grooved acoustic guitar playing, he had me wanting to get up on my feet and cut loose. (I didn’t out of fear of making a fool out of myself). To top it off, he brought out former New York Yankee star Bernie Williams to play with him for the last 15 minutes of his set. It’s kind of unfair that he can play 16 years in the Bigs and be that incredible of a guitar player.
Coming in at a close second was new all-star band Candy Golde playing their first ever live performance together. Candy Golde consists of Nick Tremulis, Rick Rizzo (Eleventh Dream Day), John Stirratt (Wilco, The Autumn Defense) and none other that Bun E. Carlos on the drum kit. These guys play real rock n’ roll. Look for my interview with the band in mid-April.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Stookey
I also thoroughly enjoyed sets by The RG Morrison, Laura Jansen, Carl Broemel, Casiokids, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, and Gram Rabbit to name a few.
Also, thanks to all of those who came out to our day party on Friday. The folks over at Sneak Attack Media, Luv Luv Luv, Zocalo Cafe, and Clive Bar couldn’t have done a better job. Shout outs go out to all the acts that played the party as well. You were all wonderful! (I’ll have pics up tomorrow).
Finally, thanks to the good folks at Polyvinyl for supplying the LP’s for my “Where’s Bobby?” record giveaway. It was a success!
Ok, now who wants to give me a foot massage?
