Austinist Previews SXSW: Wednesday Free Showcases (Like Ours!)

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Gonna Gonna Get Down 3 @ The Mohawk
Wednesday, March 12
The Mohawk (912 Red River)
Free, All Ages, 11:00am-6:00pm
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And what sort of website would we be if we didn’t diligently remind you about our day party? That’s right – a negligent one. The Austinist and Gothamist are throwing an all-ages party at The Mohawk with fourteen artists, and you’re invited, of course. Rock Island, Illinois’ answer to John Peel – Daytrotter – will also be there to stream some of the sets online, and photographer Annie Ray will capture your face on film.

The inside stage kicks up its heels at 11:45 with murderous performances from DJ Ceeplus Bad Knives, The Bleedin Bleedins and A Place to Bury Strangers, followed by Pattern is Movement and Johnny Flynn. The heartfelt neo-folk of Phosphorescent is set for 3:45, and our last performer is Liam Finn, son of Crowded House’s Neil Finn and Yep Roc recording artist, will be the last to play.

Outside, we’ll be getting noisy with Nico Vega, Anathallo, The Forms, Jukebox the Ghost, and We Barbarians. Austin’s lovely Shearwater will begin broadcasting their rough beauty at 4:00, and headliners the Shout Out Louds get on at 5:00. Any way you play it, it’ll be hard not to see a gaggle of great bands on Wednesday.

Image from Gorilla Vs. Bear

Gorilla Vs. Booze @ The Peacock
Wednesday, March 12
The Peacock (515 Pedernales St)
Free, 21+, 12:30pm-5:30pm
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Dallas blog Gorilla Vs. Bear has a big day party planned for Wednesday as well, christened Gorilla Vs. Booze. Surprisingly heavy on DJs, electronica and hip-hop, the party also boasts rockers like Austinist faves White Denim, the happily obscene Holy Fuck, and poppy Bodies of Water. DJs Cut Copy and The Party will be working the turntables, and we’ll also see sets from White Williams, the recently-added El Guincho, Ghosthuster, and The Cool Kids.

The party is 21 and up, with free beer until the kegs run dry. No RSVP is necessary, but you’ll want to get to the Peacock early – that place isn’t too big, as you know.

Pro-Tips: After spending your entire day at Gonna Gonna Get Get Down 3 (we hope!), grab a bite at Stubb’s if you haven’t had your BBQ fix at our bash. Alternatively, head south on 6th St. from The Mohawk and encounter The Hot Dog King for a huge selection of wieners; keep walking and you’ll see El Rapido on your right although the taco wagon may relocate to accommodate all the expected street stages. Try the El Pastor taco or sample the veggie options at this always accessible, always delicious option. Across the street from El Rapido resides a gem of a snack spot -- Go Bites with a new menu featuring sliders for $2 and their delicious Grilled Cheese sandwiches for $4 (add fries for $2). As a bonus, Go Bites will be offering 12" thin crust pizza (complete with fresh, organic ingredients) for $5 during the festival. The eatery will also be providing food for various official SXSW events. For pizza, head west on 6th St. for a plethora of options; head east for some sushi or Cajun cooking. Lastly, Casino El Camino offers tasty burgers, an awesome jukebox, and yes, free Wi-Fi.

After your meal, if you’re sticking around in the area, check out the official showcase at Emo’s Annex where The Lemonheads, Grand Ole Party, and The Von Bondies are just a few of the acts expected to grace the stage at the pseudo-venue. The main Emo’s stage will have a raucous show, no doubt, with The Black Keys, Be Your Own Pet, Longwave, and Autolux providing the inspiration.

Beauty Bar off 7th and Red River hosts a wide variety of must-see-upcoming-acts like Ghosthustler, Willowz, Faceless Werewolves, and Foot Patrol while Club de Ville is home to sets by Deer Tick, Kaki King, and Shearwater.

If you decide to head west towards 4th St., check out the Fused Magazine Showcase at The Tap Room at Six Lounge or Simian Mobile Disco, The Kills, and White Williams at Antone's. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and Headlights are just two of the acts that will play Beso Cantina for a special noon to 2 a.m. show (RSVP.)

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