The essay collection “Out of the Vinyl Deeps,” published in 2011, compiles the work of the brilliant cultural critic Ellen Willis, including several album and event reviews she wrote during her late-60’s, early-70’s tenure as the first pop music writer employed by the New Yorker magazine. One of my favorite pieces in it is her review of the 1968 Newport Folk Festival. In its ninth year, she lamented, the fest had gotten too mainstream, too pop-oriented. Big name acts like Janis Joplin and Buddy Guy were overshadowing the lesser-known folkies and rural blues performers that were supposed to be the festival’s raison d’etre.
Wherever there is a major festival – even over 40 years ago, apparently – there will be those who insist it was better back in the day. (For proof of that, read any comment thread about Jazz Fest here on NOLA.com – or anywhere, really.)
The cultural juggernaut that is Austin’s ten-day SXSW music-industry party and conference, which, over its 26 years, has grown to include a prominent film festival and a weekend of sessions devoted to digital media (follow NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune’s Maggie Calmes on Twitter for updates from those, and watch some of them live online at SXSW’s official Ustream channel) is no exception. For better or worse, what was once a fairly relaxed gathering of independent bands and industry professionals is now the must-be-seen platform for big-name stars. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Metallica, Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen have all been hot tickets at the fest in recent years; Rachael Ray and Taco Bell sponsor parties; Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Dave Grohl and Prince (among other marquee names) are all scheduled to perform at SXSW’s 2013 music weekend, which kicks off Tuesday, March 12.
Still, peek through the clouds of sparkly star power and the bedrock of the event is still there: zillions of acts from around the world, waiting to be noticed by labels, by the press, or just by you. New Orleans, only a day’s drive from Austin, has always had a decent presence at SXSW, relatively speaking – though with the event’s focus on the new, our delegates have largely come more from the rock, dance, metal and otherwise alternative side of things, less so the traditional roots-music arena. As hip-hop has increased its footprint at SXSW, too, more local rappers have traveled west to participate (Mystikal returns for his second year at SXSW in 2013, with a host of other MCs.)
Below, here’s a list of Louisiana events at SXSW’s music weekend including two panel discussions, the premiere of Lily Keber’s James Booker documentary, and beaucoup showcases. (We’ll be live-streaming one, the Oxford American’s all-Louisiana day party, from 12-6 p.m. Thursday, March 14 here on NOLA.com.)
Note that the listed events may only be the tip of the iceberg; many bands pick up shows at the hundreds of side festivals and unofficial parties happening throughout the weekend. Hit the links to visit performers’ personal websites, which may have a fuller schedule or last-minute additions.
Music sets are usually 30 minutes to an hour in length. Visit sxsw.com for venue addresses and other information. To find out about celebrity appearances, unofficial parties, last-minute announcements and tantalizing rumors, try the Twitter handles @RSVPster, @CameronatSXSW, @SXShhh or @SXSWPartyList.
Louisiana music at SXSW, March 12-17, 2012:
At Home He’s A Tourist: Louisiana Folklife in the Social Media Era (panel) featuring Alex Rawls, Brian Boyles, Louis Michot, Erika Goldring, Alison Fensterstock
Wednesday, March 13, Austin Convention Center room 17A, 5-6 pm
New Orleans Music Today (panel) featuring Scott Billington, Jan Ramsey, Ben Jaffe, Truth Universal, Lefty Parker, Wild Wayne
Thursday, March 14, Austin Convention Center room 15, 5-6 pm
Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker (film premiere)
Thursday March 14, Topfer Theater at ZACH, 4 pm
Friday March 15, Alamo Ritz 2, 7 pm
The Oxford American’s Louisiana Day Party featuring Victor Olston, Luke Winslow King, Hurray for the Riff Raff, King Louie’s Missing Monuments, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, Katey Red and Cheeky Blakk
Thursday March 14, Yard Dog Gallery, noon – 6 pm
Thursday March 14, Red Eyed Fly, 1am
Wednesday March 13, Townhouse, 10:45 pm
Sam Doores with Riley Downing and the Tumbleweeds
Wednesday March 13, The White Horse, 8 pm
Bounce night featuring Katey Red, Cheeky Blakk, DJ Lil Man, Ha Sizzle, the Danger Boys, the Diamond Dolls, Magnolia Rhome, Culotta Rock, Big Choo, JC Styles, Lucky Lou
Saturday March 13, 512 Rooftop, 8 pm – 1 am
Friday March 15, Holy Mountain Backyard, 10 p.m.
Friday March 15, Hotel Vegas/Volstead, 8 p.m.
Sunday March 17, The Jr, 9:30 pm
Thursday March 14, The Jr, 10:35 pm
Thursday March 14, Empire Control Room, midnight
Friday March 15, The Main, 11:50 pm
Saturday March 16, Suite 101, 1:15 am
Friday March 15, Holy Mountain Backyard, 9 pm
Friday March 15, Holy Mountain Backyard, 12:30 am
Saturday March 16, Austin Convention Center, noon
Saturday March 16, Red 7, 1 am
Wednesday March 13, Lucille, 1 am
Wednesday March 13, Austin Convention Center, 1-2 pm
Wednesday March 13, 512, 1am
Saturday March 16, The Parish Underground, 8 pm
Saturday March 16, Javelina, 10 pm
Wednesday March 13, 512, 11 pm
Thursday March 14, Avenue on Congress, 10 pm
Is there something Louisiana-related at SXSW Music that I missed? By all means, tell me in the comments.