Welcome Back to Austin for SXSW 2009



SXSW 2008 was so much fun that I had to come back, this time armed with photo press credentials, ready to dive into 1,800 bands spread out over 80 venues in a four day total music immersion. Great also to meet back up with Dave from Direct Current for the fest. Winter in the north seems to have dragged on interminably this year (damn you Punxatawny Phil!), so stepping off the plane today to feel the 83 degree balm didn't come a moment too soon, as Bruce said, "roll down the windows and let the wind blow back your hair". Austin in the late afternoon sun is a beautiful thing, together with perhaps the tastiest Tex-Mex food ever at Ranch 616, catching up with some local friends not seen since last year, an evening stroll around town, and finally back to the band list. I've combed the list, now down somewhere in the T's, setting up a run that will undoubtedly have a wealth of options for every hour of the four days.




The food wasn't the only cool thing about Ranch 616, the restaurant's exterior was designed by local artist Bob "Daddy-O" Wade, as was this cool looking airstream. Outside on the 616's patio there was an old school country singer backed up with a great sounding band that included some killer pedal steel. This meal was so totally Austin that it made for a great welcome back. Like last year I will post as many photos as upload time allows.







Here's a few more shots from today's walk around Austin.



6th Street is already closed to traffic for the festival.







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