SXSW Rehearsals at the Arthouse Astoria Installation

Arthouse at the Jones Center

SXSW Rehearsals at Arthouse
March 11- March 20
Arthouse (700 Congress Ave)
free, times vary
[info]

It's never too early to start thinking about SXSW, especially if you're a musician. The Arthouse at the Jones Center, in conjunction with British artist Graham Hudson, has cooked up a unique opportunity for bands to rehearse in public during that crazy week in March. Offering numerous one and a half hour slots most afternoons between March 11 and March 20, bands will have the chance to practice in front of a live audience in the midst of an art installation. And if you aren't a musician, this serves as a great option for filling out the afternoon/early evening part of your SXSW schedule.

From the official press release: "The form of the installation references the architecture of London’s iconic Astoria Theatre, which was demolished in 2009. The architectural history of the Astoria parallels that of Arthouse’s building, both of which were once cinemas. First opened in 1929, the Astoria underwent many iterations before becoming one of the most highly-desired music venues in London for both up-and-coming bands and well-established rock 'n roll acts, including U2, Eminem, David Bowie, Radiohead, Black Sabbath and The White Stripes. With his project, Hudson brings the Astoria back to life by reconstructing a portion of it in ghost-like scaffolding, and offering up its stage to musicians to use as a free rehearsal space during its ten-week reincarnation."

Hudson believes that rehearsals serve up a much more interesting performance than the polished final product. He's looking for bands to open up to risk-taking, experimentation and even failure during their practices at the Arthouse. Interaction level with the public is left up to the bands, and all genres/styles of musicians are encouraged to apply. Sound reinforcement will be provided, but musical instruments are left for the band to bring. A soundtrack from recordings of the rehearsals is also in the works.

For more information and directions on how to apply, see the official Call for Musicians or Hudson's Rehearsal at the Astoria site.