The South by Southwest Music Festival blog

I'm sitting on a very cool round couch on the second floor of the Red Bull Moon Tower traveling stage set-up. It's The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences Membership Celebration. These are the guys that do the Grammys. This structure is incredible. I wont try to describe it. Check out the pictures. I'm here with Leticia Wolf and Nashville producer Mark Hornsby. And this couch is comfortable. We're looking down on a stage where four bands soon play and before they start I'll have some time to fill you in on the events up till now. I've had O time to stop and blog, so I'm going to take advantage of this shady spot and comfy couch.

After getting to Austin Wednesday I had to check in with SXSW to get my Credentials. I hooked up with Chris Ware (former Chattanoogan) and we ventured into the thick of the festival. After getting 4 different instructions from 4 different people we found the Check In desk for Media. I now have a lovely green wrist band that I cannot remove for the next 4 days. My camera gets one too. It's now about 8:30 and I'm starving and I have a plan. Guerro's on South Congress. Excellent Tex Mex. The best Al Pastor in town. It's a savory pork and lime/cilantro filling for tacos. It really hit the spot.

OK. Fed and watered. Now it's time to find Leticia Wolf. She's here with me to do a few showcases on Saturday, but right now she's hanging out with Dead Confederate at Stubbs on Red River Street, the edge of the festival area. The Dead Cons are opening for REM tonight and it's totally sold out and there' no way we can get in. She's working the merch table for them and had to stay close most of the night. She had a very interesting encounter, which I will let her tell. (see audio clip)

At around midnight we grab Tish and head to Momo's for a late set with Chris Ware as he plays guitar with Dan Dyer.

Great sound, great music and that's just Wednesday. I'll fill you guys in Thursday's happenings tomorrow!

Mañana

Beck