My SXSW
By Suzanna Choffel, Fri., March 20, 2009
It's just after midnight on Wednesday morning, and I just woke up from a nap. An evening nap for me is rare, but it's what today called for after having played KGSR'S Live at Four Seasons show at 7am and then going, going, going all day long. It was my first time playing it, and I wasn't sure what to expect. When we arrived, the lobby was packed full of music-loving souls drinking coffee and eating breakfast tacos.
The show was a blast, and my band and I rocked it, then ended up staying for locals Dan Dyer, Drew Smith's Lonely Choir, and David Garza, who asked me to play guitar with him last minute (I humbly obliged). Thus began my South by Southwest, most likely the only time I will see any of my fellow Austin musicians and my band up that early. At least 'til next year.
Now I'm preparing for Wednesday's big bang, the Austin Music Awards, where I'm performing two originals with my band before being joined by fellow scenesters Ruthie Foster, Carolyn Wonderland, and Nakia to punch out a few of their numbers. This has been the epicenter of my SXSW. I was honored when invited to play, and since then it's all I can think about. We've rehearsed; Laura Scarborough (my bandmate on vibes/synth/accordion) and I even choreographed a hula-hoop routine with LED hoops! (Right now we're not sure if the stage is big enough to accommodate us, but we're hopeful). Needless to say, I'm nervous. We're getting together once more to practice our hoop skills, then it's a hair appointment, sound check, make-up, and showtime, folks!
After tomorrow and Friday's day-party sets, I'll be getting more into the listening aspect of SX. My favorite thing to do is check out international acts I might never have another chance to see. I'm usually a bit more on top of what not to miss, but, well, this time around, I'm busier than years past. I'm thinking back to my very first SX experience, as a 17-year-old volunteer. I worked the door at Scholz Garten. The swag bag alone put me on cloud nine. Now I'm on the other side, and the swag bag is still cool, but my artist wristband is cooler.
I heart SX and always have, a music lover's paradise and all in the heart of my hometown.
SXSW showcase: Saturday, March 21, Momo's, 10pm.
