SXSW - Let's Get Down To Brass Tacks

Is it just me, or are your eyeballs about to pop out of your head from the overload of SXSW parties and shows? My abuelita pea brain has been screaming trying to keep up with my Twitter and Facebook feed. There are parties on top of parties. Damn. Don't get me wrong, this is all fun and I'm looking forward to kicking out the jams with all of you, but how do you know which party to go to? I'm sure a lot of you are scoping out the free beer, free shows, free food, free everything, as am I, those are always fun...so is trying your damnedest to get into that strictly badge-only show (that's when the areola makes a SXSW cameo).

Here's what I know. Here's where you'll find me. There are some reoccurring bands, I know, if you can't make it one day, you have another shot. If you think I should be at a show, or I am missing out on something, please message me. Check it:

Tues. March 13
Shop! Vans & Nice Kicks present Vulcanized Vinyl. There will be limited edition Vans being sold: Slayer, Descendents, Bad Religion, Iron Maiden, and Social Distortion.
Pop up shop: 313 1/2 E. 6th Street, noon - midnight.

Shop! Vintage Clothing Arcade will be at Valhalla (710 Red River St.) from 3/12 - 3/14. Vintage clothes, games, music, booze. Get it.


Wed. March 14

South by East by West party day party (12 - 8 pm) at The Liberty (1618 1/2 E. 6th St.). Hey, I'll be there!

My baby daddy, Andrew W.K., at the Brooklyn Vegan showcase. Bar 96 (96 Rainey St.), 12:00 am. AND at 101X party (1100 Warehouse) 6:00 pm.

The traveling Third Man Rolling Record Store, 3/14 - 3/17. Follow on Twitter to find out where they will be throughout Austin.

Fried Chicken and Alejandro Escovedo. Lucy's Fried Chicken (2218 College Ave.) in the '04. 5:00 pm.

Austin Facial Hair Club party at The Grackle (100 E. 6th St.) starts today, runs through 3/17.


Thurs March 15
Ringo Deathstarr at Brooklyn Vegan compound - Hotel Vegas & Volstead Lounge (1500 E. 6th St.), 2:30 pm.

Live4Ever Media Presents A Two Finger Salute II party at ND at 501 Studios. UK rock.

MWTX! party starts 3/15, and runs through 3/17. Cults play at 5:00 pm. (1300 E. 5th St.)

My baby daddy, Andrew W.K., will be at The Scoot Inn, Impose day party. (1308 E. 4th St.)

Jesus and Mary Chain! Paste showcase at the Belmont, 12:00 am.

Astronautalis at Mike Galaxy  day party, Guero's Taco Bar (1412 S. Congress), 9:20 pm.

Billy Joe Shaver at SXSan Jose day party. In between Jo's Coffee  and Hotel San Jose (1300 S. Congress), 7:00 pm. Bring your flask of whiskey. Yehaw.

Riverboat Gamblers opening up for Tenacious D at the Haven (409 Colorado St.), 10:30 pm.

Valient Thorr at Ten Oak (409 Colordao St.), 1:00 am.



Friday March 16

Let's be real with it, this is going to be so fucking fun. Hosted by ME with FREE Don Julio from 6 - 9 pm, and Tito's and Cazadores drink specials. All rock and roll, all goddamn day. The beauty is that there is a bus stop that drops you right in front of Guero's from downtown. Responsible drunks unite!

After A Badass Rock Party, there are quite a few good shows going on, some require wristbands:

Waterloo Records day party. The Cult plays at 6:00 pm (600 N. Lamar)

Japan Nite at the Elysium! You know this shit will be a blast. (705 Red River)

SPIN  party at Stubb's (801 Red River) featuring Santigold. She makes me want to shake my titties.

Workaholics House Party presented by Comedy Central, Icenhauer's (83 Rainey St.).

Built to Spill at Lustre Pearl (97 Rainey St.), 11:00 pm.

Jack White at Third Man Records showcase at The Stage on 6th (508 E. 6th St.), 11:45 pm. Also performing: Karen Elson, Pujol, and Black Belles.


Sat. March 17

Let's get shitty. First stop: Jackalope (404 E. 6th) for the Free Beer Party. Riverboat Gamblers, Valient Thorr, Volcom, and ME!

If you are still sober, the Austin Facial Hair Club party at The Grackle is going to rule. Electric Eel Shock (4:40 pm) and Peelander Z (6:25 pm) will blow your socks off. Get there.

Waterloo Records day party. Strange Boys plays at 3:00 pm (600 N. Lamar)



Other Notes:
Tonight is the Jay-Z show at 7:00 pm CST. Watch it live via YouTube or at the corner of 6th and Red River.

March 15, The Boss will be giving the keynote speech. You can listen on NPR live. He is also playing a small show, good luck getting into that. I foresee massive hair pulling and pushing happening. That, and some random dude I'll talk to on Friday who will tell me he just happened to stumble into the show, no big deal. Dick.

Remember there are a ton of street closures happening downtown (duh), and on Rainey St. Walk your ass, bike your ass, or bus your ass. Just don't drive, it will just piss you off.

Tito's Vodka is having Tito's Trolley that will cart you around a route downtown for free from 2:00 - 9:00 pm March 9 - 17. Follow them on Twitter: #TitosTrolley to find out their location, and for updates.

If you are a registered SXSWer, you can Catch a Chevy. From 9:00 am - 10:00 pm if you see a Chevy with a SXSW badge on either side, flag it down. Home base for Catch a Chevy is at the Austin Convention Center.


Phew, I hope this helps. Just remember, don't be a dick, don't be a sloppy drunk, and tip the bartenders even if it's a free show! Also, check back over the next week because I will be posting photos and interviews incessantly, who knows, you might see your mug on here. Say cheese!