Our First SXSW!

We got to enjoy our first SXSW music festival a couple of weeks ago (we did not attend SXSW Interactive or the Film Festival, but hopefully next time). It was exciting seeing all the activity in the city and the influx of thousands of extra people. No matter where we were downtown, several performing bands were within earshot. Not only was every bar and restaurant was occupied by live music, so was every parking lot. Each band played 45 minute sets and 1900 bands total showed up.

Some shows were wristband or badge only, or the venues had stiff covers and/or were at capacity, so we didn't get to check out everything on our wish list, but we still got a lot out of it. Several concerts at no cost isn't too shabby.


The best bloody mary Nate has ever had. I ordered a Virgin Mary: also delicious.

Above is Julia, the girl who used to cut my hair back in Madison. She's also a musician which brought her down for SXSW. She and I were wandering the music scene the night before and stopped to talk to the lead man of a band we liked (playing above with Julia). They ended up exchanging numbers and played together the next day! I'm glad she made some music connections the short time she was here.

Nate watching Julia and Jonathon play.

The above band is Free Energy. Excellent! A very lively band with great stage presence. We suggest you check them out.

Right after Free Energy, Freelance Whales played at the same venue but inside. They were extremely good and had such a unique sound. Another one to check out. The girl second from the left on stage was playing a Harmonium, an instrument I didn't know anything about before seeing them play.

Julia was nice enough to give both Nate and me trims while she was here...and a beard trim for Nate! Who knew that professional shears were so darn expensive?


As with all of our guests, we took Julia out for the best Tex Mex and BBQ she could eat. The last place we went to was Rudy's: a classic BBQ joint that Nate and I hadn't been to either. It was amazing! There's nothing like filling up on 2 lbs of moist brisket, a jalapeno sausage, a 1/2 loaf of bread and the classic sides.

Yet another fun visit!