March 7, 2008
Austinist Previews SXSW Saturday: Hot Freaks, Press Here & Mess W Texas
Saturday, March 15
Waterloo Park (403 E. 15th)
Free, All Ages, music from 12:25-9:45
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Mess With Texas 2 @ Waterloo Park
At this event, it's almost ridiculous what a wide range of musics you'll be able to see, from electro-folk to softcore-punk to anti-pop to alterna-world to whatever-other-hyphenated-genre-you-could-possibly-fabricate. Headlining are the Kim Deal-led Breeders and late-nineties punk-stars NOFX, but they are just icing on the cake of a day that features acts as intriguing as the inimitable Islands and the ever-so-subtle Atlas Sound. And, take a deep breath, because also lining up on one of the three stages is rise-from-the-ashes-via-Juno story Kimya Dawson, the mysteriously-spelled Wooden Shjips, hype-machine Simian Mobile Disco, quick risers Yeasayer, Monotonix, The Night Marchers, and No Age. And in case you haven't already caught them, this may be a convenient time to check out local respectables Shearwater and White Denim. Seriously, though, that's a ridiculous list already, and it's really just the beginning. And it's free, for God's sake!
And there was some comedy at this Mess With Texas thing, too, right? Yeah, you can expect some laughs from the likes of Janeane Garofalo, Brian Posehn, Todd Barry, and Eugene Mirman, among a veritable slew of others. Make sure to get there before the sun goes down if you want to check that out, though, because we all know humor goes best with some sunshine.
Saturday, March 15
French Legation Museum (802 San Marcos Street)
Free, music from 12:00-7:30ish
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To escape from the sure-to-be insanity of the Red River region, jump across Interstate 35 (or go under, preferably) to the French Legation Museum, where Press Here, Ground Control Touring, and Harp Magazine are hosting a bunch of fancy names in a pretty place--check out the history on this one. Calling it a garden party makes it sound nice, but knowing you'll be able to catch local-turned-national stalwarts Okkervil River, big famous Thurston Moore (you may have heard of this little thing he did called Sonic Youth), and J Mascis makes it even more beautiful/crazified. Also there is the very intriguing M. Ward/Zooey Deschanel project She & Him, and, just in case you missed her at Waterloo Park, Kimya Dawson will be weaving her clevernesses in the early evening. Toss in the fact that this show is co-sponsored by Austinist and, well, there you go.
This being South by Southwest and all, of course these three events aren't the only items of interest to be had, frequented, digested, and used to make your friends jealous. Certainly worthy of attention are the Filter Magazine Party @ Cedar Street, featuring DeVotchKa, a band renowned for their enthusiastic, and, let's be honest, fucking awesome shows, and a Waterloo Records Party made fantastic by the presence of this year's new lo-fi warriors, Times New Viking. If you want to check out some more Hot Freaks action, go to Club DeVille's northern neighbor, the Mohawk, to see a set highlighted by Islands. And if that doesn't strike your fancy, you can catch a dark horse showcase at the Okay Mountain Gallery on Cesar Chavez, Asthmatic Kitty and Friends, where up-and-comers Son Lux go on at 3, or the Stereogum Paste Party at Volume Night Club on 6th Street, where Blitzen Trapper and No Age will make noise.
Saturday, March 15
Club DeVille (900 Red River St)
Free, music from 12:30-5:00
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But if this all-day-at-one-place thing isn't for you, and you like to get around a little bit, let it be known that there's some pretty good work going on down at Club DeVille. The coolness starts at 12:30, but the prime block of time here kicks off at three, when Of Montreal frontman and generally fascinating entertainer Kevin Barnes takes the stage. He writes all the music for Of Montreal, so we know he can put some tunes together, but rumor has it that in this small set, DJ-ing will be the focus. Following up will be the vastly-underappreciated White Rabbits, a band whose debut album of goodtime poprock was incredibly rewarding, but somehow missed out on the hype it deserved. Buttoning down the early evening at Club DeVille will be Swedish import Lykke Li, a wonderfully intriguing artist whose simple pop melodies and childlike vocals evokes what would happen if Thao Nguyen and Jens Lekman hooked up. Yes, it will be sweet.
And here's a Pro Tip for you: since everyone--everyone fun at least--loves pizza, check out the Home Slice showcase on South Congress, where you can taste some of Austin's best pies to the late-lunchtime sounds of The Morning Benders and the Dante-inspired experimental troupe Le Loup. And for the night, embrace your worn-out delirium (and an opportunity to get out of downtown) by seeing Man Man at 9:15 at the Do512 Compound on South Lamar. But before you get to the show, get your meal ticket punched at one of South Lamar's awesome eateries: Maria's Taco XPress (a little atmosphere with that taco, please), Uchi (bad-ass sushi for those of you with a little scratch), or Kerbey Lane (thank you, healthy 24-hour dining).
Music 'n' comedy are sure-fire paths to divine happiness, so indulge your inner Buddha (and your not-so-inward belly) with beer and hit up the Mess with Texas party at Waterloo Park. You can dance and guffaw the bad karma out from noon until the cows come home at this free, all-ages show headlined by The Breeders, NOFX, and celebrity comedians like Gen X pin-up girl and corporeal embodiment of sarcasmJaneane Garofalo, MTV's Human Giant, and Brian Posehn. Also playing are Simian Mobile Disco, Islands, Kimya Dawson, Yeasayer, Lucero, and Austin-locals White Denim. Not necessarily meditative, but, nonetheless, good for the soul.
If you're famished but have just discovered freedom from material possession and desire, spend lightly and eat fully at food stands Kebabalicious and The Best Wurst, both located south off of Trinity Street. From there you can hop - pun intended - into Club de Ville for the Hot Freaks Party and catch the White Rabbits. Chromeo and Digitalism will be at Stubb's down the block, blowing out the crowd at a noon - 4pm show (you gots to RSVP).
Now, if you want to invest in a snootier meal to impress the lady/ gentleman in this time of rampant spending and associated recklessnesses, stroll down Congress Avenue for solid bites at The Roaring Fork, Restaurant Jezebel, and Louie's 106. If you need something easier on the wallet, try Marakesh up near the seat of state or stop by Little City Cafe for wireless and coffee. Walk off your meal a few blocks down to 6th street, where Tokyo Police Club and Two Gallants will be playing at the Dirty Dog Bar. Nada Surf and British Sea Power will be upstairs at Maggie Mae's, and X, The Raveonettes, and Dr. Dog will be at Emo's starting at 8pm. Pro Tips by Josh Huck
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Do it, my friends--this is Saturday, SXSW's last day, and maybe even its best. Make it count, like, to a really, really high number.




