SXSW Photo Blog 6 - March 20, 2011 - Sunday

Sunday - the final day of SXSW began with views and vistas from a high rise midtown hotel.

Having friends who actually care about your well-being is a wonderful thing, indeed. To them I will forever be grateful.



The Austin skyline looked ready for one final foray into musical mayhem.


Note the bottles of free ice tea on the table to the left. Did you know that one can actually live on this stuff for the good part of two days?



Everyone needs to charge up their devices before heading out.


Jas and Marta share bedspace in that platonic way only road warriors know.


Masters of the roadwagon.



Sunday brunch in Austin



My fave - Huevos Rancheros


Guero's - recommended



Eat to the Beat



Dead Leaf Echo's LG was there too. You gotta be cool to be kind.

Rolling with the EE Presents posse again (this time, actually rolling via "magic bus").

Crom is on board.




Jas works on his tracks to organize his mind.



The rising stars of melodic/memorable psych-pop.
Jason and Elliott.



Hooray! Another Ringo Deathstarr show!


Elliott delivers quality soundwaves.




Daniel is a helluva drummer and may possibly be the perfect bandmate.

Alex and Dan




Speaking of almost perfect - Alex Gehring.


"If you want to sample me - I will show you how."



Pitch bends that produce chills.



Alex had a new bass for this show! It actually has 4 strings on it!

Oh, yeah - the "gender spazzmaster"


"Imagine Hearts" - I am, I am!



"Ooooooh - next to you"



Austin's finest - without a doubt.




Show time list illustrates the how everything can change quickly. Ringo Deathstarr went from playing at 2:00 pm - to 7:00 - then to 4:00. It didn't matter when - I was going to be there - whenever. Phones that send and receive texts are essential tools in working all this out. After an wonderful afternoon there at Cheer Up Charlie's, we then headed over to Emo's for one final bash. Inside the venue was someone who's work I truly admire.

Conversation -- "Hey Cromwell - that's some pretty sweet music coverage you do." Me: "Thanks, David Fricke. You're not half-bad yourself."


We were both there for the much touted Jim Jones Revue.

And it's easy to see why. They put on a dynamic rock & roll show.

Combining the good timey boogie-woogie elements of Rod Stewart & The Faces and The New York Dolls - the JJR is an exciting band worth going to see. After that, we ran around, danced to DJ music (great motown, 50's & 60's era rock n' soul) chattering and laughing in a wired state. Christo wisely suggested we go over to the other stage and watch a band called Caspian. I had been hearing about them for a while now, so definitely wanted to see what the fuss was all about.



I was immediately impressed.



The word on them was "they are like Mogwai - only better."

Guess what?


I had to agree with the above statement.



Heavy - atmospheric - instrumental music that build and pummels you.


It is power and emotion transferred to the listener.

My deeper investigation into all of their recorded works have begun. As all good things must eventually come to an end, I said my goodbye's to those who rescued and sustained me throughout the week. It was a brilliant experience
.

Austin Airport. They don't call it "Music City" for nothing.

SXSW Photo Blog 5 - March 19, 2011 - Saturday

Saturday of the SXSW week (March 19, 2011) began with it's own unique issues. As is often the case, the best laid plans are suddenly wrought with surprises. Minor issues like where you might be sleeping that night can create as sense of uncertainty. Its always helpful if you have actual friends to help you out in these circumstances. I consider myself fortunate that, as it turns out, I do. With that partcular issues on my mind, I headed out to the day's activites - first stop being The Deli Magazine and Musebox presents "This Cowbell Goes To 11" Party at the venue I spent a good bulk of the night before - Lipstick24

I arrived in time to catch the opening band - Quiet Company

I give these lads credit for wearing full suits and ties in what was an already warm day in Austin. Their sound was pleasant and professional.

Heading inside I caught the next act up - a band out of the UK called The Lines

I liked their sound a lot. We were rocking already at it was "only" 1:00 pm.

The Lines are worth checking out.

As I stood watching the music, I was suddenly approached by a familiar face

None other than the day's events presenter Deli Magazine Publisher and Owner - Paolo DeGregorio.

We had a spirited chat, then I headed round the corner to see what my friends The Vandelles were up to.

Originally sheduled to play at sometime after 1:00 in the afternoon, their show got moved back some.

So, we all headed over to Paolo's event for some chatter and tunes.

Artists Manager Eric Ervin(aka The Swervewolf) strikes an appropriate pose.

Paolo clutches his bag with apprehension.

Checking in once more on the outdoor stage, I caught a set of music from an artist and band going by the name of R. G. Morrison

The presented an enjoyable collection of songs that were perfect for the breezy early afternoon moment.

But now it was time for another show from The Vandelles, so we all quickly headed round the corner for another dip into the sonic surf.

The band delivered their tightly honed songs with the skill and precision I had been enjoying all week long.

Christo literally glowed in the Texas afternoon. Or perhaps that was just the sound his guitar was making.

Lulu, Jasno, Honey and Christo had the sonic waves going full tilt.

Extra room to the side of the stage made for some interesting photo opportunities.

Honey throttled with her accustomed force.

Bringing the ruckus.

Fans strike the arms folded "show me" pose.

Oh - they got shown, alright.

Bash & Pop

Badass

Bad Lands

"Wanna be your Summer Fling"

To know The Vandelles is to love them.

_____

Show over - we stuffed our bags with the free Ice Tea a generous sponsor was promoting and headed out onto 6th Street for fun and shennanigans.

Its a Shangri-La moment Rolling with the EEP Presents posse is a truly unique experience.

Next stop was the Mess With Texas extraganza

We got there just in time for Screaming Females

Marissa was at her shredding best.

Its always good to see East Coast musicians representing so well.

Lots of good time chatter amongst the EE Presents crew.

Jason and Eric plot out the next moves.

Next up was a west coast band I had been hearing about recently called The Fresh & Onlys

The have some catchy songs, and employ a twangy western vibe to it all.

Following them was a 6 piece "punk" style unit called Davilla 666.

Then Thee Oh Sees dazzled the crowd with their high energy show.

This band was smoking hot and firing on all cylinders Defintely go see them if you can.

Having had my fill of ear pummeling volumes, windswept dirt, and recreational "herbals" wafting up my nose, I took leave of the outdoor tent venue and headed out for some fresh air and just a little less chaos.

The moon was full and high. I stumbled past a house party that had a band playing and complimentary food. A weary traveler ate gratefully from their generosity.

Austin hospitality at its best.

Free music, food and drink.

The Austin skyline at night

There is a later night hours story too - perhaps another time.

Sunday - the final day - awaits.