Newbie’s First SXSW 2012

You may recall last year I wrote a post about SXSW with tips from friends about how to make the most of your SXSW experience having never been I was eager to learn. I’m happy to report that this year I was able to attend for work! I’m so very appreciative as I had a amazing experience and sending someone to Southby (as people in the know call it) is nothing to shake a stick at.. it’s pricey but I believe very worth it.

Highlights of my 1st SXSW: Music

Let’s start with the most important aspect of this conference, the music. What I loved the most about Austin was from very corner of this city music was performed. From city coffee houses, large venues to even my hotel, you couldn’t miss it. In no particular order here were my favorite performances:

Lee Field and the Expressions at Red 7:

I’m a huge fan of soul music and Lee Fields is another classic story like Charles Bradley of an artist beating the odds and releasing a record at age 60ish. It’s simply amazing.

Thee Oh See’s with Carson Daly

Also at the Red 7 venue was Carson Daly’s Music Unlimited’s showcase. Daly being a huge fan picked a amazing showcase with Lee Field and the Expressions, Tennis, Cults, and the Thee Oh Sees. Thee Oh Sees is a rock back from SF and apparently Carson is such a fan he jumped on stage with the band! I love the unexpected and this was certainly was a surprise!

A$AP Rocky at The Spotify Show-This rapper has amazing stage presence as you might be able to make out he brought his whole crew on stage with him; throwing bottles and jumping around. It was a sight to behold.

Delta Spirit was playing Stubb’s on the last evening I would be in Austin. After standing on my feet all day for three days my dogs were barking but I dragged myself to this show. I loved the vibe of the venue; open air and amazing bbq and Delta Spirit fit right in!

The Food

One of the best meals I had at SXSW was at Papi Tino’s. I enjoyed amazing guacamole, refreshing mineral water (yes it’s hot and I was thirsty!) as well as enchiladas. But my favorite part of this meal  was the hand-made churros with homemade ice cream. Delish! The restaurant faces 6th street and has a quaint porch that features live music. My group was seated out side and with the breeze it was a enjoyable spot.

Free Stuff

I love free stuff, along with music it’s one of my favorite things. I was a little bummed I didn’t come home with armfuls of free stuff but I learned that there is more free stuff during the interactive week at SXSW. But I did come home with some pretty cool free AND useful things. The best thing I came home with was a dry-fit cotton Nike Fuel band exercise top. Nike had a huge basketball court/Skatepark/music venue at SXSW marketing their latest product the Nike Fuel band. After getting a free shirt and hanging out I really want a Fuel Band so their marketing ploy worked.