SXSW 2010 Music Festival
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Camper Van Beethoven enlists fans to sponsor songs
When cult alternative rock favorites Camper Van Beethoven play two shows during the South By Southwest Music Festival this year, fans will have the chance to sponsor a song of their choice for the low price of $100, in what has to be one of the more unique ways for a band to fund its festival trip we’ve yet seen.
“Well, as you may or may not know, performers at SXSW are not really compensated sufficiently to cover travel and lodging costs,” say the band on the Web site. “For a band like CVB this didn’t really matter in the days when there were actually record labels and/or our friends didn’t mind us crashing on their couches (back when we had friends…)”
So they’re calling on their devoted fans for help, offering the first 35 people or organizations that give $100 the chance to choose one of the 35 songs they’ll play, across two shows, during SXSW. Those interested should also know that “a Santa Cruz Roller Derby Girl will walk/skate across the stage carrying a placard announcing your sponsorship of the song.” No doubt that’s a veritable bargain for some of the band’s devoted followers.
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New Hole lineup plays first U.S. gig at Spin’s SXSW bash
Courtney Love’s new lineup for Hole will make its U.S. debut Friday March 19 at the always in-demand Spin party at Stubb’s, with support from F**d Up, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Miike Snow, Rogue Wave and Foxy Shazam, with DJ sets from Das Racist and Dam-Funk, Spin announced this morning.
Of course, calling the band “Hole” might be charitable — aside from Love, it boasts an entirely new roster, without a single member from the glory days returning — but the party should be a madhouse regardless. Hole’s last North American gig was in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1999, before officially disbanding in 2002. The new lineup has already played a couple of gigs in the U.K., performing on the Feb. 12 episode of “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” and playing the NME Shockwaves Awards in London’s 02 Shepherds Bush Empire. They’ve also got a new album, “Nobody’s Daughter,” out in April.
The inside stage will host buzzed rockers Free Energy, Austin’s own Harlem, Goons of Doom and Audible Mainframe. As always, the party will require a pass, but they’ll be giving them away on Spin’s Web site, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Cheaper-than-usual tickets to Roky/Okkervil ice cream social on sale now
Perhaps in a bid to attract a young crowd that might not be able to swing the usual $25 price, tickets to this year’s annual Roky Erickson Ice Cream Social at Threadgills are $10 in advance through Frontgate Tickets only. The show takes place at noon on March 18.
No word on if any will be available at the door.
Erickson will be playing with Okkervil River, the band that backed him up on the new “True Love Cast Out All Evil;” Okkervil head honcho Will Sheff produced the album.
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4,000 SXSW wristbands sell out, but…
… locals have one more chance. 500 more wristbands priced at $165 (including tax) will be put on sale online at noon on Monday, February 22. They will be available at wristbands.sxsw.com. The initial price was $129. They sold out in one day.
Rules are the same for this second allotment: Limit of two wristbands per purchase, using a credit card with a billing zip code in the Austin area. The name of second person must be given at the time.
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SXSW2010: 10 questions for Moreland & Arbuckle
Moreland & Arbuckle photo by Gavin Peters
Moreland & Arbuckle are a blues band from Kansas whose album “Flood,” their debut on Telarc International, comes out Feb. 23. Cigar-box bassist/ guitarist Aaron Moreland answered questions 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10. Singer/ harmonica player Dustin Arbuckle answered the others. The band is augmented by drummer Brad Horner.
1. What makes your blues different from Delta or Chicago blues?
We certainly do play each of those styles to a degree. But we add in a ton of other elements that help us create our own sound. I mean when you combine Tom Waits tunes with Little Walter influences, you are bound to be outside the “normal” spectrum of blues.
2. Aaron, what’s your guitar rig like?
It varies some, but I use smaller wattage (less than 25) tube amps. Typically, I have preferred open back cabinets but have been realizing the tight bottom a closed back can offer. When playing my cigar box guitar, I split the signal and run the bass string into a bass amp. I try to experiment with new things some, but find I tend to gravitate toward a familiar sound: gritty and punchy guitar sounds.
3. Have you played Austin before? If so, what did you like best about the town? If not, what have you heard?
Yes. We played Stubbs several months ago with Buddy Guy. It was a killer show. I love Austin. Very hip vibe, liberal attitudes… and the music scene seems to be bursting with creativity.
4. Are you playing any non-official showcases?
Not sure yet. I really hope so. We ARE going to be in town the week before SXSW on March 10th for a show with George Thorogood & the Destroyers at the Paramount Theatre.
5. Are you fans of Kansas Jayhawks basketball?
Definitely. Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk! When it really comes down to it, though, my #1 team is the Wichita State Shockers. Gotta represent for the home town.
6. How do you pass the time on the road?
Lots of listeting to music and “spacing out”. .. sleeping if you are lucky.
7. Dustin, with a last name of Arbuckle, does that put extra pressure on you to keep your weight down?
You callin’ me Fatty?
8. Does it bother you that Led Zeppelin ripped off so many blues guys?
I am not sure about that. But they are my favorite band ever and their influence on all music that came after them is massive. They turned millions of people onto blues…. and that is a great thing.
9. What’s the most authentic blues joint you’ve ever played?
Teddy’s Juke Joint in Zachary, Louisiana.
10. What would make SXSW a success for you two?
Meeting some good people, and effectively networking to get our music out to more and more people.
Moreland & Arbuckle play Friday March 20 at 9 p.m. at Opal Divine’s Freehouse.
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C3 starts booking La Zona Rosa full-time
Fans looking at the La Zona Rosa web site will notice something they hadn’t seen before — a C3 Presents logo in the lower left hand corner and no mention anywhere of club owners Direct Events. While C3 and Direct Events officials declined to comment, the site gives every indication that C3 has taken over booking the 1,200-capacity room full-time. This gives C3 access to a room in which they can place a band that might not sell out Stubb’s and an Emo’s-sized room that can be booked during the winter.
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360 weekend picks: Tribute to Bruton, benefit for Campise and rockin’ Swedes
FRIDAY
An Evening of the Music of Stephen Bruton at the Saxon Pub. Some of Bruton’s favorite Austin players, including the amazing rhythm section of drummer Brannen Temple and bassist Yoggie Musgrave, will play songs written by the late, great one, who’s finally getting national recognition as the music supervisor for ‘Crazy Heart.’ Let’s hope singer Malford Milligan is learning some songs from the movie soundtrack. 9 p.m. $15 1320 South Lamar Blvd. thesaxonpub.com. — Michael Corcoran
Also recommended:
- Balmorhea, Damien Jurado at Central Presbyterian Church
- the Gourds at the Cactus Cafe
- Shawn Colvin at One World
- Strange Boys at Emo’s
- Gary P. Nunn at the Broken Spoke
- Gov’t Mule at Stubb’s
SATURDAY
Soundtrack of Our Lives at Emo’s. For those of you who missed out on Turbonegro at Emo’s last year, you have another chance to see an overweight Scandanavian band that out-rocks all the kids. Following the opening one-two punch of ‘Infra Riot’ and ‘Sister Surround,’ the band’s 2002 album ‘Behind the Music’ remains a modern garage rock classic, though the beauty of singer Ebbot Luneberg is that he squeezes sweet psychedelia out of his voice. With Nico Vega and My Education. 703 Red River St. www.emosaustin.com. — M.C.
Also recommended:
SUNDAY
Tony Campise fundraiser at Antone’s. Austin sax great Campise suffered major brain damage after a fall outside a Corpus Christi hotel room in October 2009 and is recovering in a skilled nursing facility. Currently slated to appear are the Monster Big Band, Baker’s Dozen, the James Polk Sextet, John Mills Times Ten, Butch Miles Jazz Express and the Tony Campise Big Band. Appearances are also promised from guest vocalists Ray Benson, Kat Edmonson, Rick Trevino, Mandy Lauderdale and Mr. Fabulous. Donations will be accepted at the door. 7 p.m. antones.net. — Patrick Caldwell
Also recommended:
- Evelyn Erickson’s 86th birthday bash at Jovita’s
- D.R.I. at Emo’s
- Major, Major, Major at Club 1808
- Look Mexico, Papermoons at Red 7
- Jon Dee Graham at Continental Club Gallery
- River City Christianettes at Stubb’s Gospel Brunch
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About 1,000 SXSW wristbands left at $129
As of 3 p.m. today about 3,000 of the allotment of 4,000 SXSW wristbands on sale for $129 have been snapped up, according to a conference official. Go here to purchase up to two at that price.
After this bunch, available only to those with an Austin credit card billing address, are gone, an unspecified amount will go on sale in March, a few days before the fectival. Last year, the second tier price was $165 each.
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Shearwater releases new video for “Hidden Lakes”
The Matador Blog debuted a gloriously shot video this morning for “Hidden Lakes,” a cut off Shearwater’s “The Golden Archipelago,” which sees vinyl, CD and digital release Tuesday, Feb. 23 (we’ll have a full review of the album then).
The video features front man Jonathan Meiburg, wearing a straw hat and a frilly period costume and cradling a puppy, marching through desolate plains. Much like Shearwater’s music, it’s dense, lyrical and thoughtful — and although you might not fully understand it, it certainly seems smart.
Meiburg plays a pre-SXSW solo show March 13 at Red 7, while the full band will play Antone’s March 19 during the festival before departing for a North American tour.
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Alejandro, Ruthie, others added to Old Settlers lineup
Alejandro Escovedo, Ruthie Foster, New Monsoon and the Trishas have been added to the Old Settlers Music Fest, April 15- 18 at Salt Lick Pavillion. Previously announced were Joe Ely Band (4/16), Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller, plus 7 Walkers with Bill Kreutzmann from the Dead (4/17) and the Gourds (4/18).
Go here for ticket info.
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SXSW wristbands on sale at 10 a.m. today
South by Southwest wristbands go on sale today at 10 a.m. at wristband.sxsx.com for a price of $129 each, which includes tax. That’s the same price as last year.
The allotment of 4,000 will be on sale until they’re all gone or Feb. 22, whichever comes first. There is a two-wristband limit per purchase, with the second person’s name provided at the time of purchase. Online purchase requires a credit card with a billing ZIP code in the Austin area.
Either that, or one can prove their Austin residency by naming three irreplaceable music venues which have been torn down to make way for fast food restaurants or bland office buildings. (Just kidding on that one- you’ve gotta have an Austin area billing address.)
Wristbands will be put back on sale during SXSW in March. Details to be announced, but last year that second batch cost $165 each.
In 2008, SXSW organizers tried a lottery system, but it proved too complicated, too daunting, and the 4,000 wristbands were about 500 shy of a sellout.
As always, a wristband does not guarantee admission to shows that have reached capacity. That band on your wrist is the only one you’re promised of seeing.
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2010 Urban Music Fest to feature Morris Day and the Time
2010 will mark the fifth year for a festival that’s weathered everything from unseasonal heat to a bizarre April ice storm. As always, the family-friendly event will go down during Texas Relays weekend at Auditorium Shores and as always the headliner is an old school urban favorite, this year, Morris Day and the Time. The rest of the lineup is still under wraps but the festival Web site promises “more music, more food and more family fun.” We’ll pass along additional information as it becomes available.
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Force Field PR and Terrorbird Media announce SXSW party lineup
Force Field PR and Terrorbird Media’s daytime shindig was an ideal way to kick off the South by Southwest Music Festival last year, with stellar performances from the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, the Thermals and Wavves, among others.
This year, they’re returning to Red 7 with a lineup every bit as strong, featuring sets from Neon Indian, Real Estate, Toro Y Moi and the Rural Alberta Advantage, among others, with no RSVP required — so show up early, because this one will fill up. Check out the full lineup after the jump, and as always check out our side party list or database for more party information.
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Julian Casablancas comes to La Zona Rosa 4/14
The Strokes singer, who recently released solo debut “Phrazes for the Young,” will tune up in Austin for his Coachella show four days later.
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Victory Grill to receive Texas Historical Marker
The Victory Grill, the 64-year-old historic music venue at 1104 E. 11th St., will dedicate an official Texas Historical Marker in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 20). The marker dedication ceremony will include the family of original owner and founder Johnny Holmes and officials from the Texas Historical Commission.
Holmes opened the Victory Grill on Aug. 16, 1945 — Victory over Japan Day — as a restaurant and bar for returning black service members, who were prevented from attending most restaurants by segregation. The nightclub became a staple on the Chitlin’ Circuit, a group of performance venues that hosted black entertainers during the age of segregation, and featured such notables as Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Chuck Berry and B.B. King. Holmes died in 2001, but the venue has seen renovations spearheaded by Eva Lindsey and is today available for private and special events.
Speakers at the ceremony will include Holmes’ family, City Council Member Sheryl Cole and Texas Historical Commission executive director Mark Wolfe.
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Paste Magazine announces SXSW party lineup, Roky and Okkervil along for the ride
Paste Magazine will be commandeering the Galaxy Room — known formerly as the Radio Room during past South by Southwest Music Festivals — on March 17 and 18 for one of the most stacked day party lineups we’ve seen so far.
Each day will feature 11 acts on two stages, with highlights including a set from Roky Erickson, backed as during past SXSW performances by Okkervil River, Shearwater, Lou Barlow and the Missingmen and Black Praire, which features Decemberists Jenny Conlee, Nate Query and Chris Funk alongside other Portland musicians. Check out the full lineup for both days after the jump.
Paste’s Friday, March 19, party will be thrown in conjunction with Vanguard Records and Sugar Hill Records and will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at the Belmont, with performers including Black Prairie, Greg Laswell, Daphne Willis, Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles, Wimberley’s Sarah Jarosz, Bobby Bare Jr., the Living Sisters and the Watson Twins.
You can RSVP here.
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20 bands, 10 questions No. 3: April Smith and the Great Picture Show
April Smith and her band the Great Picture Show embrace theatrics—donning early 20th century costumes and utilizing the accordion and ukulele. She’s sort of a female counterpart to the Decemberists’ Colin Meloy, with less prog rock, a bigger voice and more foot stomping. If that’s not enough, she financed her latest release, “Songs For A Sinking Ship,” on crowd funding site www.kickstarter.com. Here, Smith takes part in our 10 questions for 20 bands preview of SXSW.
Is this your first time at SXSW? What are you hoping to achieve at the festival?
No, we’ve actually played SXSW twice before. I’m excited for this year because the album will be out and we’ll have new music for people to take away. I think we all just want to see all of the great bands playing down there and play as much as possible.
How did you get the idea to fund your album on Kickstarter?
My bassist told me about it and I checked out the site. It just seemed like the perfect way to raise money for an album and give the fans some great things in return. I really like the way they run the site and I’m so glad I did it.
Your music seems to float between different genres—how would you describe it to people who haven’t heard you before?
It’s retro pop with a swing to it. It’s got a 1920s feel with a modern spin on it. If the Andrews Sisters were a little bitchier.
Where does the name “the Great Picture Show” come from?
The music and live show are very dramatic and theatrical. It just sounded very old-hollywood-meets-vaudeville to me.
This year, for the first time, SXSW is opening the conference/panel portion of the event to musicians. Do you plan on attending any panels during you visit?
Yes, definitely! It’s going to make my music schedule even tricker but it’s totally worth it.
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Denton band hosting SXSW scavenger hunt
Wanna win a badge for South by Southwest?
Thought so.
The folks over at Filter magazine have teamed up with Midlake, a band out of Denton, to put on a scavenger hunt. The prize? First and foremost, a coveted SXSW music badge, plus a year of haircuts at Birds Barbershop, gift certificates to Alamo Drafthouse and P. Terry’s, and prize packs from Sweet Leaf Tea and Midlake.
Not too shabby.
To play, follow Filter on Twitter. A total of 10 Austin-area landmarks will be announced in the coming days. Snap and submit — via @reply using the #midlakesxsw hashtag — a photo of your pretty little self standing in front of each landmark. (Really, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. Or maybe it is …)
The winner is the first person to submit photos from all 10 landmarks. Get full contest details here.
Happy hunting.
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Bingham won’t sing at Oscars, but will accept
Ryan Bingham is a “shoo-in” (L.A. Times) to win the Best Original Song award at the Academy Awards March 7, but the former Austinite won’t perform “The Weary Kind” on the telecast. After a few really bad years in the category, producers have scrapped even a medley from airing.
Don’t blame Ryan: the other nominees include “Take It All” from “Nine,” “Loin de Paname” from “Paris 36” and two forgettable numbers from “The Princess and the Frog.”
On the plus side, there’s no bar activity as at the Golden Globes, so Bingham should be on hand for his acceptance speech.
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Phoenix Saloon rises in New Braunfels
Located in the heart of historic downtown New Braunfels, the Phoenix Saloon is reopening Feb. 26 after 91 years of dormancy. Dale Watson will re-christen the place, which will have a soft opening on Johnny Cash’s birthday.
British music journalist Ross Fortune, a noted historian of vintage country and blues, and partner Debbie Smith bought the place, which was a department store after the original saloon closed, at the end of 2007.
Originally built in 1871, the building is where William Gebhardt reportedly invented chili powder.
The Phoenix Saloon officially re-opens the weekend of March 5 & 6 with shows by Jesse Dayton (Mar 5th) and Billy Joe Shaver (Mar 6th).
Other acts on the schedule include:
March 13 The Octanes *Rockabilly from Houston, TX March 20 South by So What March 27 Scott Biram April 3 The Happen-Ins (featuring former members of the Dedringers)
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Road trip! The Flaming Lips to headline Free Press Summer Fest
If you failed to grab tickets in time for the Flaming Lips’ highly anticipated, highly sold-out March 12 show at the Austin Music Hall, take note: you’ll have another chance to catch them in June, and all you have to do is make the drive to Houston. That’s scarcely enough time to spin “Embryonic” twice.
The Oklahoma experimental rockers will headline the second annual Free Press Summer Fest at Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston, which takes place June 5 and 6. Other acts confirmed for the festival include Girl Talk, Stars, Lucero, the Detroit Cobras, Givers, Ra Ra Riot and Medeski, Martin and Wood, as well as several local and regional acts. The full lineup is available at the festival’s Web site.
The festival boasts three stages this year, up from two last year. Of Montreal and Explosions in the Sky headlined 2009’s festival, which, while an enjoyable stab at giving Houston a proper outdoor music festival, was plagued on the first day with long lines and a convoluted system for food and drinks that we hope will be remedied on the second go-round.
Pre-sale general admission passes are available now for $22.50, with a “fancy pants” option allowing access to air-conditioned tents and exclusive performances for $50.
Of course, if you’re willing to make a slightly longer drive and can’t stand the wait, the Lips are also performing at the NX35 Music Conferette, the Denton conference and festival immediately preceding the South by Southwest Music Festival, from March 11 to 14. NX35 recently added the Walkmen to a lineup that also includes the aforementioned Flaming Lips, Midlake, the Black Angels and Neon Indian, among many others. Single night wristbands are $20, while a wristband for all four days will cost you $65.
Latest comments
So, if I’m coming to SXSW from Arkansas, I can’t pre-purchase a wristband, right? And is there any way of finding out which venues are ONLY accepting badges or wristbands? Such as the Continental Club on Saturday night…I would hate to
... read the full comment by Kelly Goodrich | Comment on SXSW wristbands on sale at 10 a.m. today Read SXSW wristbands on sale at 10 a.m. today
Uh, hey, professional writer: that would be “…not sell out Stubb’s and AN Emo’s-sized room…”
For God’s sake.
... read the full comment by Amy V | Comment on C3 starts booking La Zona Rosa full-time Read C3 starts booking La Zona Rosa full-time
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