Friday Top 5: SXSW Venues
With SxSW right around the corner, music schedules are being filled out like NCAA Brackets. We will have to make tough choices and let go of venue grudges to be happy. Here are a few thoughts on venue selection as I know everyone has one or two places they have a love/hate affair with…
5. The Parish
Best lights in town and arguably the best sound in town. What’s not to love? Bring me moar! I want to see the booking go nuts this year. Plus, I had an amazing experience with Broken Social Scene during SxSW last year. That stage was crammed with musicians while Muse playing at Stubb’s drew lemmings away leaving a great music crowd. I felt refreshed at 1am. Deal with the stairs and see the lights. Looking at the schedule, there may be some real pretty moments at the Parish this year.
4. Beerland
A musician friend introduced me to the world of Speedgrass, Blue Grass played at high volume and very fast, usually about women and jail. I love these shows. But the stage is always surrounded by the previous bands’ gear. I risk my life standing on a couch to get the shot knowing that if I fall, I will land on a three hundred pound person I shouldn’t land on. Best tattoos and super nice people that help your inebriated friend even after your friend vomits red wine. Clean bathrooms, too. So venture out, pick a genre you may hate. Unofficial fun will occur here.
3. Emo’s
They have been on a roll as of late. With shows in the last year like Caribou with Toro Y Moi, Tame Impala, Yuck and Smith Westerns, there’s a lot to love for the Indie fan. Beer is cheap if you stay domestic and tall. But it is time to get some better lights, especially inside. Y’all are killing me. My choice of hardware often gives me an advantage in the low light, hell, no light. Last year, it was Delorean delivering the most energetic performance of SxSW, ending a grudge I had held against Emo’s for a couple of years. Meander from inside to out for an easy genre change. SxSW is not complete until you urinate on the ice (ladies excluded).
2. Stubb’s
How can one venue have the best sound and then the worst sound? Every time I fall back in love with the gravel pit, I get disappointed. I have had a run of good luck, and now I fear SxSW will be doomed. Doomed, I say. Last year, The Walkmen topped SxSW visits to Stubb’s for me. It was early and not insanely crowded. So that’s my advice. Stop by early, but find the best band playing when Stubb’s has the “secret” headliner and go there instead.
1. Austin Music Hall
Music Hall has always been generic during the festival, but nine words were said here that still make me giddy. “We are Motorhead and we play rock and roll.” Pick one of the big acts and pay the pedicab fare to run from Red River to W 3rd. There’ll probably be abundant space to stretch out, clean bathrooms and short lines at the bar.
I think people always forget about the French Legation Museum. I mean, I don’t want to hate on these venues, as they’re great, but hands down the place to go is the FLM. If the weather’s good, you can’t beat it.
Ahh, the Legation… Why is it I can’t remember any bands but remember being there?
The other really cool place that is frustrating is the Presbyterian Church. You pretty much need a badge to get in (which I have) and no chance at an adult beverage, though they have water to rehydrate you in between benders. Sometimes there are cookies. And if you are sitting anywhere near me, shut up. Seriously. Respect the venue.
Only been to one show at the Presby Church, but it’s amazing as a venue. No Mohawk love?
Mohawk is king of day parties.