Last Day of SXSW

How to describe SXSW? An Austin native told me before I came down that SXSW was like Spring Break for grown-ups. In a way, it was. But, it also seemed to be spring break for quite a few of the college students that were here as well. Walking down the streets of 6th Street became more difficult as the festival went on. Tonight was very crowded - almost like walking through the French Quarter at New Orleans albeit with cleaner streets. (You don't want to wear nice shoes walking through the French Quarter.) People jostle you constantly and you have to weave in and out of the oncoming crowds.

Police are out in full force, mostly standing and watching, some on horseback. The crowds are generally good-natured. And, the people watching has been entertaining. I had wondered what type of clothes to bring and I've seen everything from women wearing bra tops and skirts, a man wearing only a zebra-patterned thong, a bright green kelly corderoy suit (not on St. Paddy's Day), hot pink hair, and more mohawks than I could count. I thought the mohawk had gone out of style? And, of course, an occasional cowboy hat and lots of cowboy boots in various styles.

Overwhelmingly is the sound of music. It blares at you from every doorway, from people sitting outside on the street corners playing their own instruments for spare change, and I even saw a group of people playing the metal fence, the trashcan and clapping their hands outside the parking garage tonight. Every style of music imaginable can be found at SXSW.

Our last day started with the Blogger party at RajiWorld. It was a beautiful day with the temps in the 70s, a nice breeze and a few clouds so the sun was not in full force. Susan and her family had spread out a blanket for us under the trees. The strong scent of rosemary was in the air since the party was being held at a nursery. There was an outside stage with lots of space around for people to put their chairs and blankets. The first act was not that impressive, but they got better. We heard mostly solo acoustic guitar, but we also heard some great bands, including the Mother Truckers and Ian MacLagan and the Bump Band. Other performers, I really enjoyed, included nakia (awesome soul/blues) and Jameson McMurtrie - he did some great folk-type songs.

Bloggers who attended were Susan (AustinGal), ColleenM, Michelle (LifeImitatesArt), Burton, Tana, Lynne, and Brandi (JunebugTX). Some brought their families and their partners. We had a great time talking and learning more about each other. We also talked a lot about Pete and Rachel - how they've built a community, the obvious love and respect that they have for each other, the encouragement and support they give each other, and the future possibilities we see growing out of this partnership. The bloggers got their picture taken with Ian MacLagan who is such a nice guy. We enjoyed his show every time we saw it here in SXSW. He plays every week here in Austin and also performs outside of TX. He will be in NJ in the Fall. Check him out if he comes to your area.

After the Rajiworld party, Colleen, Burton, Michelle and I went out for Mexican food. Then back to SXSW where we caught Alexi Murdoch and then Eliza Gilykison. Michelle and Burton then took off and we listened to a little bit of Peter Case. His music was solo guitar and we wanted something with a little more energy. We went back to 6th Street and waited for a band to set up. Their sound check was a little scary - "Check 1, Check 2, SCREAM" As they were ready to start, their lead singer came on stage - white puffy strapless prom-type dress and she had long black hair - she gingerly comes on stage and then the music starts: loud, angry, and lots of screaming. We stayed for the first song and then headed out.

We would like SXSW to be longer and are sorry to be leaving tomorrow. But, we are already making plans to come back next year.

In addition to the music, we have made some new friends in Austin. Susan has been such a great hostess to us. Brandi and Tanya - it was so nice to meet them and to get to know them better. Michelle and Burton - we had a lot of fun hanging out with them and hearing their stories of Who concerts and being part of their Austin Attic show. Lauren - she was always on the move with a clear agenda of what she wanted to see and do at SXSW and she had the best tips on how to get to first row, center. June had some great tips on bands to see at SXSW. It's late so if I've forgotten anyone, I apologise. Lynne - although she was busy working for Ian MacLagan, we still managed to run into her and see her a little bit.

Again, Rachel has made a new community. We're all connected on the grid, but it is so nice to meet people in person and to really get to know them.