LEISURE AND RECREATION
and third place. All films chosen as
finalists are shown in a special program
as part of the regular SXSW Film Festival
schedule.
SXSW MUSIC
SXSW Music wraps up the week, and
there’s a clear distinction when film and
interactive ends and when music begins.
The annual Austin Music Awards kicks off
the music portion of SXSW, and it’s a
can’t-miss event. Get tickets when they go
on sale, because it sells out every year.
In 2012, there were approximately 2, 286
acts and 18,988 conference particpants –
and countless others who attended free
shows. Industry speakers have included
Grammy winning producer, composer and
arranger Quincy Jones in 2009, while
rocker Bruce Springsteen was the keynote
speaker in 2012. In past years, other
SXSW speakers and performers have
included Pete Townsend, Jeff Beck, David
Byrne, Shawn Colvin, Tony Bennett, Johnny
Cash, Sheryl Crow, Billy Idol, Philip Glass,
Wyclef Jean, Robert Plant, and Willie
Nelson.
Though SXSW is an industry conference,
the opportunity to see bands from all over
the world – especially up-and-coming
artists – is far too tempting for many music
fans, many of whom travel from around the
country and the world just to check out the
newest bands. Even if you’re a music lover
short on cash, you’ll still see and hear great
music. SXSW Music offers free shows three
nights a week at Auditorium Shores during
the festival with great artists – Elvis
Costello, Alejandro Escovedo and The
Strokes have all played free shows here.
There are also tons of other musical events
that happen outside the official festival. In
particular, the shows on South Congress
Avenue and South Lamar have grown into
their own – including a fun, quirky festival
of music known to locals as South By
South Austin.
GETTING ACCESS: MIXED
METALS AND WRISTBANDS
Now that you know all about the coolest
party in town each March, how do you
get in? It all depends how much you want
to spend. Prices run from $375 (early
registration; film-only badge) to $1, 250
(late registration/walk-up rate; platinum
badge) for badges, depending on which
pieces of the festival you want to attend.
The Platinum Badge gets you into all
SXSW Music, Film and Interactive Events;
the Music Badge covers all SXSW Music
& Media Conference and Festival events;
the Gold Badge offers access to all
SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events;
the Film Badge gets you into all the
SXSW Film Conference and Festival
events; and the Interactive Badge is your
ticket to all SXSW Interactive Festival and
ScreenBurn events.
Wristbands are also available, which are
less expensive than badges. But keep in
mind that the wristband doesn’t get you
into the industry/conference part of the
event, and that access to shows and films
is on a first-come, first-serve basis because
Platinum Badge holders and specific Film
or Music Badge holders are admitted
first.
BE PREPARED – AND HAVE FUN!
Best bet? No matter what you want to see
at SXSW, be prepared and have a plan.
Whether it’s a hot band, new film, or top
technology speaker, it’s best to arrive as
early as possible. SXSW involves a lot of
standing in line, so be prepared for that,
too. For music, the wristband covers the
admission price, but if it’s a hot show,
arrive early and keep your fingers
crossed. Everything depends on space
available after SXSW badge holders are
admitted.
No matter how you get involved, SXSW
underscores Austin’s undisputed position
as a creative nexus of entertainment, and
as Austinites, we’re proud to call it our
own each March. So get a sitter, splurge
for a badge or a wristband, and enjoy
the benefits of the city’s creative status.
The dates for 2013 are March 9-18 for
Interactive, Film and Music, while
SXSW Edu (March 4-7, 2013) takes
place a few days earlier. SXSW Eco,
which was held in March its first year,
will be October 7-9 for 2013. For more
information about SXSW and details
about upcoming events, visit
www.sxsw.com.
208 AUSTIN RELOCATION GUIDE – WINTER 2012 | SPRING 2013
