Ruben_Dominguez's Blog

Sunday ????pm

When we finally got back downtown last night it was too late to get in and see any other bands.  The lines were just too long to see the really good acts.  We ended up eating dinner at and eventually catching a cab back to our hotel.  But I was getting reports from friends that were out in the throng of thousands.  Gina Rotol and her crew were at the Willie Nelson show and it was packed.  Several blocks away my buddy Mike P was reporting via cell phone that the reunited X was playing at Emo's and he was in front of the stage waiting to see the legendary L.A. punk band to do their thing.  It must of been a real doozy because he would not answer his cell phone after that.  Mike goes every year and over a four day period he will see 50 performances.  He's also got tons of pictures so as soon as I can get a hold of him, they will eventually make their way to our website.  His pick for best of the best was Rogue Wave.  And judging by lots of folks that I spoke with, he was probably spot on.  I love that band but Matt and I had committed to other shows so we didn't get to see them.  Another band that people would just not shut up about were The Ravonettes who by all accounts tore up the stage during their show at Vice on Thursday night.  I've been into their stuff for a while thanks to the heavy rotation that they get on Sirius Sattelite Radio (best invention ever .. kind of). 

SXSW is actually pretty overwhelming.  For bands, fans and everyone else that is there for whatever reason it can be an almost disorienting event.  There is no way to get to see even half the acts that you want to see unless of course they are all playing the same stage on the same night.  Driving a car is a nightmare anywhere near 6th street and especially if you plan to park.  Cabs become harder and harder to get as the night goes on and of course the lines.  Lots of long lines everywhere.  But If you have never been you have to go at least once in your life.  So here are your tips for next year's event.

1.  start checking the sxsw website around mid January.

2. get your wrist band early

3. book your hotel as early as possible ( early December is not a bad idea).

4. check the schedule for the bands you really want to see. 

5. pick a daytime stage with bands you like and one club at night and stick to it.

6. look for non SXSW shows listed in the Austin Chronicle, you could find a real gem. 

Note - we had a great time and it was worth it in the end.  And I'll probably be there again next year.  But for now my feet are killing me, my back hurts from sleeping on a lumpy mattress and my brain stopped working hours ago .. so see you guys soon...