Day 3 - Part 1 - Thurs 15 SXSW

First thing up on Thursday the 14th was the I Am The Programmer Showcase at The Vortex

 

The venue was a few minutes away from the main drag, and provided a bit of a break from the more chaotic atmosphere of the 6th street area.

Just inside the outdoor deck area were quaint furnishings not usually found in most rock music clubs. 

A mirror provides reflective photo opportunities.

The bar area - soon to be bustling - we had a tasty cheese and cracker platter there.

I Am The Programmer  is the ongoing musical vision of Ryan L. Abato.

Ryan organized and presented this Showcase with a relaxed professionalism that kept everything running smoothly.

The first band to play were the wonderful Dead Leaf Echo

 Ana, LG, James and Christo delivered crackling set of their best songs

Other than LG having to protect himself from microphone shocks by way of a towel wrapped around it, the band played a high energy set that showcased their increasingly appealing sound.

Enjoying the show were the members of other bands scheduled to play later on - including the lovely dreampop duo Lilies From Mars

Dead Leaf Echo's sound has become more streamlined since my early days of hearing them.  The songs are full of hooks and the frequent dual tandem vocals of Ana and LG emphasize a more defined melodic quality.

In addition to great guitar playing and exquisite vocals, Ana's tambourine work on one song provides an essential rhythmic quality.

Recent addition drummer James plays with the sensitivity and skill of a seasoned professional.

Ana and LG do "guitar battle"

Christo, as always, exhibits a mastery over his instrument that complements every song he plays on.

 

Following DLE over on the other stage were Washington, DC's The Mittenfields

Led by Dave Mann, the group played through a crisp set of songs from their latest release.

Back inside the bar area, ornate photo collages could be found throughout the premises.

Another band performing were Australia's Alpine.

They presented a high energy show, have great songs and appeared to be very much enjoying themselves

Really nice people who were a lot of fun to talk to as well.

Also performing was the synth pop duo Silver Swans

They had a bit of an "EDM" sound to them, with strong female vocals that exhibited well-crafted melodies.

Taking a break after their set, we headed into the main part of town to recharge body and devices at the Whole Foods Green Zone

Free water and power charges were quite popular with this active festival crowd.

Then it was deeper into the thick of things in center city, and the preparation for one of the biggest, most significant nights of the week.

Austin Legends honored on their own wall of fame