Trophy’s is where I discovered Prayer For Animals and SNAFU Kitties, two of my favorite Austin bands. It was also where a staff member once threatened to stop the show and kick everyone out unless the person responsible came forward and cleaned up the steaming logs of shit they plopped on the men’s room floor. So you can understand my mixed feelings for the place.
Rest in peace, Trophy’s. You were memorable, at the very least.
…when every shot bar, housing co-op, art gallery, bicycle shop, public park, gravel lot and cozy backyard in Austin becomes a live music venue, and thousands of bands from around the world descend upon this city to play for free in front of tourists who stand politely while anxiously contemplating the next free party they have to be at.
That kinda sounds like I hate South by Southwest, but I don’t. Mostly, I’m equal parts fascinated with and annoyed by it. Nothing else rivals SXSW in terms of being a music-lover’s never-ending buffet of concerts by up-and-coming artists as well as legends and superstars. But the week-long festival also brings out the worst in music fans, cultivating both a people-as-livestock mentality and an obnoxious sense of bicoastal VIPism.
I don’t mind it too much, though. I enjoy watching the bread-and-circus of it all—especially Sixth Street during the day, with the roaming herds of hungover hipsters and the makeshift live performances by sketchy dudes with mini guitar amps on street corners.
That said, this is a music event; I’ll be checking out some music for sure. I’m keeping it low key this year and not marathoning it like I have in past years. Caveat emptor: My music taste is not trend-based or media-influenced. I like what I like, which often doesn’t sync with what’s in at the moment. So don’t look to me for the must-attend parties.
Here are some of the bands I plan on seeing, along with links….
Tuesday, March 13: Ocote Soul Sounds at ESL Music showcase [link]
Wednesday, March 14: Reggie Watts at Under The Radar party [link]
Wednesday, March 14: Brownout at Diverse Arts Funk Fest [link]
Wednesday, March 14: Money Chicha at Dead Bird Records showcase [link]
Thursday, March 15: Juan Cirerol at Mess With Texas [link]
Thursday, March 15: Best Coast at Urban Outfitters [link]
Friday, March 16: Ritmo Machine at Austin Vida and Peligrosa day party [link]
Friday, March 16: SORNE at Future of Music showcase [link]
Friday, March 16: La Vida Boheme at Nacional Records showcase [link]
Friday, March 16: Chelsea Wolfe at Sargent House showcase [link]
Friday, March 16: And So I Watch You From Afar at Sargent House [link]
Saturday, March 17: East Cameron Folkcore at Altercation Punk BBQ [link]
Saturday, March 17: Hydra Melody at Future of Music showcase [link]
Saturday, March 17: East Cameron Folkcore at the White Horse [link]
Sunday, March 18: Zechs Marquise at Goodbye South-by [link]
I’m an Austin-based life form. I’m a storyteller; my preferred mediums are writing, editing, photography and videography.
I have a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. I’ve written for and landed front page stories on the Wall Street Journal, the Denver Post and Laredo Morning Times.
My videography has been featured on WSJ.com, Blastro, Double Stereo, INsite Austin, Switchburn, Red River Noise and Austin Vida.
I’m a co-founder of Red River Noise, an alternative music blogazine. I’m a co-owner of Austin Vida, a Latino lifestyle website.
On my spare time I play poker, listen to comedy podcasts, attend live music shows, watch movies on Netflix and seek out delicious local food.
Links:
I'm AJ Miranda and I live in Austin, Texas.
This tumblelog is a collection of my work as a photographer, videographer and writer.
I also chronicle my life as an Austinite, music fan, food enthusiast, comedy nerd, journalism wonk, poker player, curious being and restless spirit.
