I cant post this as a 'my night out with' blog because there isnt enough space. Just wanted to say got back from SXSW on Tuesday and the experience was fantastic - far surpassing my only previous visit there in 2008. Largely I believe the better experience was because I avoided the pitfalls learned last time. Principally these were get a badge not a wristband. The badge costs more but virtually guarantees you entry to 99 percent of the gigs and if you plan it correctly will provide most of your food and beer for the 5 days. At just under £400 it is a pretty good bargain.
Anyway to the event: It was a 21st birthday present for my son. We arrived in Austin to temperatures hovering around 80 deg f rising to 90 degrees by week end. Austin entertainment district is basically 3 parallel streets each with a myriad of bars and other venues ranging from Hotels to Churches. Arguably the most famous are Emo's, Stubbs and Antoines. The latter of these gave Stevie Ray Vaughan his first break with the Fabulous Thunderbirds being the house band. SXSW the event is primarily staged to bring together Music Industry players but being frank most people are there only for the music. There are around 2000 bands playing during the 5 days and the choice is dizzying. Inevitably there are programming clashes for example I couldn't get to see Ron Sexsmith because the 2 gigs he played clashed with other artists I wanted to see. Having already seen him in UK I prioritised other artists ahead of him.
Highlights for me included:-

10th Anniversary gig for Lost Highway records at Austin City Limits which included a headline spot for Lucinda Williams and support slots for Hays Carll, Robert Earl Keen and a storming set by local Austinite Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears.

A British showcase for the excellent Boxer Rebellion,Jim Jones Revue and an extraordinary performance by Pulled apart by horses which included the singer jumping from the stage, rounding up several audience members with his mic cable and then jumping back on stage, throwing up and continuing with the gig unabated. Very 1977.

Superb shows by long time heroes Dave Alvin with his phenomenal band and The Gourds (also from Austin)

An acoustic band show by Edwyn Collins that was first class. He is definitely getting stronger. Met him at Houston airport on our way home and he is a cracking bloke.

Unexpected surprises by unheard acts - The Cave Singers from Portland Oregon, Tiny Tin Hearts a local Austin band with shades of Arcade Fire minus the pomp and a wonderful band from Montreal called The Luyas.

Perfect example of eclecticism in one night - A wonderful reggae band called Mau Mau at the Flamingo Cantina followed by Chip Taylor and the lovely Kendel Carson at Stephen F'S followed by the raucous Jesse Malin and the St.Marks Social at Maggie Maes Gibson room.

Most poignant moment - Emmylou Harris eschewed her well known songs to sing her new album in its entirety - There is a song on the album that is a tribute to her dear friend Kate McGarrigle that will leave you fighting to hold back the tears.

Liveliest band of the week: Could have been a toss up between Jesse Malin, Pulled Apart by horses, The Old 97's or Jim Jones Revue all of whom played extremely high energy sets. However the accolade must go to The Joy Formidable - the 2 sets I saw them play were a perfect example of how to climax leaving the audience wanting more. Besides the singer is drop dead gorgeous.Second set included her smashing a homemade guitar pinata into 2 massive fans to proceed to spray popcorn into the audience.Sounds kitsch but you had to be there.

Anyone thinking of going I urge you to take the plunge. It is a relaxed haven in the madness of Texas and the creativity of its residents is a joy and inspiration to us all. It also houses one of the coolest record stores on the planet in Waterloo Records.
Gets my vote.