my first sxsw experience was in 1997…my last one was in 2007
2007 sxsw was fun but i admit it took a toll on me…which is why the following 2 years i purposely planned vacations out of town just to get away from the madness. the whole experience started standing in a crazy ass line wrapped multiple times around waterloo’s, continuing with a week of standing in lines, hundred’s of dollars of cash being exchanged, and finally ending in yet another long line at elysium on sunday night to finish up with some 80’s music.
this year im staying in town…but i doubt i’ll have a wristband…i’m not even sure of the crazy lottery system sxsw is going to coordinate for austinites this year? while i’d jump at the random opportunity of purchasing a wrist band hassle free, i know there’s enough free free unofficial-sxsw/anti-sxsw/free-sxsw day/night/after party events action going on to keep me busy…
the reality is a regular wrist band only gets you the opportunity to stand in line to see an official sxsw showcase band because unlike outdoor festivals you can’t freely jump around. instead, for your safety and because great white screwed up you have to adhere to fire code capacity limits. here you need to plan carefully to assure you get in the venue and on time to see the “must-see’s” on your list.
so the count down begins! (you may notice a countdown timer at the bottom of every page) i apologize up front for any bitching about tourists, lines, rsvps, covers, costs for food/drinks, taxi waits, and any references to “the old days of sxsw”…it’s going to happen, but seriously, regardless of my bitching i seriously can’t wait! i’m ready for the madness!
i’ve already requested off for the week of music portion. i’m thinking i should also request the fridays off (so i can attend thursday parties) during the film/interactive festival portions too?
SXSWeek Music: March 17-21
sxsw official showcase list: http://sxsw.com/music/shows/bands
sxsw twitter: http://twitter.com/sxsw
sxsw official blog: http://sxsw.com/blog/
