The Laurie Show
*The views expressed in The Laurie Show are those of the author and do not represent Austinist as a whole.* -ed. note
There are literally three separate schedules I'm keeping during the insanity known as South By Southwest:
1. The evening shows, of course.
2. The numerous day shows, complete with free alcoholic beverages and/or food, which is nice because obtaining some kind of nourishment in between running back and forth is most helpful.
3. All of the fantastic shows happening before SXSW.
Yes, we're talking before the official music event kicks off. Peeps have been sending word about the myriad of pre-SXSW happenings all over the place. So much for getting any rest beforehand. It was a nice idea, I guess.
I'm focusing on two events in this column of mine, one of which happens to be a birthday party of sorts. Stem and Leaf Records, an Austin-based label founded in late 2005 by Marshall Escamilla (The Unbearables) and Emily Summerfield, will be one year old. The Stem and Leaf peeps figured that the best way to celebrate is round up some great bands, provide two stages for them to perform on, and make the entire hullabaloo free of charge. That's my kind of birthday.
The Stem and Leaf party starts at 8 p.m. tomorrow night at the Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th St., and the Long Branch Inn right across the street, 1133 E. 11th St.
This evening on The Laurie Show, I'll feature music from some of the bands that are playing at this special occasion. Gracing the Victory Grill stage will be 'Til We're Blue Or Destroy, the Total Foxes, Darling New Neighbors, the Unbearables, the Noise Revival, and Midori Umi. At the Long Branch, the bill includes the Hummingbirds, iKiLLCaRS, the Interest Kills, Red Leaves, and Damage Pants. Check it out, friends. I heard there'll be birthday cake to compliment your beer consumption.
The very next evening at the Long Branch Inn, coincidentally, is a gig where you can dance your socks off. Seriously, the Second Sunday Sock Hop is the gig to hear the greatest '50s and '60s classics to boogie to, and they're having a very special Sock by Sock-West to get your South-By week started the right way. It is a mere $3 cover at the door, and the DJ's truly know their stuff. This ain't the same ol' music set, people. As always, retro attire is strongly encouraged. Look sharp and use those moves.
Speaking of DJ's, time for me to round up the music for tonight's edition of The Laurie Show. You kids know where to find me: 11 p.m. to 3 in the frickin' morning on KUT 90.5 FM. Tune in while you're riding about town in search of the festivities. Also, please check out the latest edition of Before the Break, featuring an interview with Rob Jasinski of Cream Vintage - another place to catch some fabulous day shows next week, I must say!
And, in the words of our pal RoboCop, thank you for your cooperation.
