sxsw day 3

Friday, March 20

THE LONGEST DAY EVER. Man. Day 3 really kicked my ass. But it was worth it.

After lunch, I met up with my friend Kat and we headed downtown to hit up some day shows. We were actually lured to Red Eyed Fly by the promise of free Bloody Marys (doesn't that sound good when it's 87° outside?), but alas alack they didn't have any. We cruised all down the 7th and Red River area, stopping in Beauty Bar and Creekside Lounge. I really have no idea who we were seeing or where they were from, but we would stop and listen to a few songs from each band. Most of it was iffy, but some of it had a few danceable moments. We stopped at Jim Jim's for ice cream and snow cones. I got the biggest ice cream cone of all time and looked like a total loser carrying that down 6th street. WHO CARES. It's SXSW.

Time for another pedi-cab. This time we got one to Waterloo to see Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears play an in-store. Man, I love this band. I can't get over it. It was so packed and HOT AS HELL in Waterloo but the crowd was loving it so much. I'm not even ashamed to say that I'm going to see them again tonight at Buffalo Billiards. Make the most of the wristband, y'allz.

After Waterloo, I had a refreshing snack at Whole Foods and then headed home for a bit of R&R before my next stop. I headed to Continental Club to see Barbara Lynn play with her backing band (for the evening), Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves. I was looking for a night of pure soul and that's exactly what I got. The thing is, I have a love for Barbara. I actually blogged about her a while back. I was super pumped to see she was coming to play for SXSW. Eli and his band started the show and then she came out, ready to strap on the electric guitar. I don't know if it was because I was at this show alone, or that I had such a good spot, but I could not stop smiling the entire time. I was just grinning ear to ear. She is so beautiful and amazing. One of the best things I have ever done. FRRL. They played her biggest hit, "You'll Lose a Good Thing" and ended with the Ray Charles classic "What I'd Say." (P.S. Can someone tell me if the song is called "What I'd Say" or "What'd I Say"? I can't figure it out.) I was in heaven to the nth degree. I will remember that show forever. It truly made my heart sing.

After my mind was blown apart, I headed downtown via cab (real cab this time, y'all) to meet up with Kat again at the Devo show at Austin Music Hall. Now, this show was receiving some buzz so I was interested to see it. Also, this was my first time experiencing the new Austin Music Hall. SUCK. Anyway, that's not why you called. I'll be honest for a second and say that I don't know a whole ton about Devo. I know "Whip It!" and the red hats and a few other songs that I've heard through the years. I respect Mark Mothersbaugh for what he's done in his post-Devo years. Not knowing what to expect, I have to say that this show was so fun! It was the ultimate dance party. It was totally packed and everyone was grooving in some way. The dudes are old but they give it their all. They had a crazy Kanye-like video screen behind them that some bum gets to operate. I want that job. At one point, Mark got some orange pom-poms and waved them like a cheerleader along to the music. Crazy ballers. They are like the original hipsters, knowwhatimean? I really enjoyed it.

I was fading fast and I knew the end was nigh. I headed back home and got some sleep after another successful day of music. Tonight: ERYKAH BADU. Are we dead serious? See you tomorrow, kittens.