Indie Sounds NY & Austin

Brent Grulke RIP

SXSW Creative Director Brent Grulke - the man responsible for booking all the acts into the music festival - died unexpectedly today from a heart attack.  Grulke, 52, worked at SXSW since its beginning in 1987 and took on his current job in 1994, growing the music segment to the international juggernaut that it is today.  See here for memories and tributes from his SXSW colleagues.

SXSW Wrap

The final show of SXSW I took in on Saturday night was another by Hunter Valentine - for sure my favorite band of the whole week.  Originally from Toronto, the band is now NYC-based.  My good friend Veronica joined them on bass a few months ago, and she rocks.  I'm looking forward to their next album, coming this summer.







It was also great to be able to put on (or help to put on) some music by friends - Jeremiah Birnbaum, Kristin Sweetland, Megan Palmer, Bryan Dunn, The Spring Standards, Birds of Chicago - and meet some new acts - Michelle Citrin, Jessie Frye, Jess Williamson, Longital, Moonlight Social, Jabu Mbara, Steven Brian, and more.

The shows I co-presented with Dart Music International all went well, especially the happy hours, which were a last-minute idea that seemed to work for many.  And of course, it was a privilege to meet astronaut Cady Coleman at our Hear There. Everywhere. showcase.

Friday with Alejandro and the orchestra is always worth it, though it wasn't the best show I've seen from him.  And I wonder a bit about the album he's dropping in June as I don't hear a hit on it.  Perhaps Hector's Hair will make it on to plug that hole, though Al has not played that live for some time, and seemingly long-time drummer Hector Munoz is no longer in the band, for reasons that are unclear.

Having been involved in nine shows this year, I am saying "never again" to everyone.  Only I mean it this time.  Probably.

This concludes Indie Sounds' coverage of SXSW 2012.

Saturday Day Party Roundup

My day started yesterday with the MPress Records Fest - always a well organized and fun showcase with new talent.  Anthony Da Costa from NYC is new to me, but I liked him very much.



More roundup after the jump ...

A is (Once Again) for Alejandro

Friday night at SXSW these days means Alejandro Escovedo and his orchestra at SXSJ.  Another fine show on a lovely evening in south Austin.



David Pulkingham - Another year older, getting better all the time ...



Al and David doing their thing ...



And with Warren Hood ...



Someone's watching ...

Music at Haddingtons

The folks at Haddingtons - one of my favorite restaurants in Austin - decided they wanted some music for SXSW, and asked me to help with some acts ...



Another of the wondrous Kristin Sweetland:



Jeremiah Birnbaum show that not only Austinites can play the guitar:



Tory Tompkins with Jason Elinoff rounded it out:

Hunter Valentine Rocked Bent Compass Showcase

Hunter Valentine - from Canada via NYC - hit SXSW at the Bent Compass LGBT showcase at Rain, and totally rocked it.







It was great to see Veronica Sanchez on bass.  She's an old friend, aka Mahogany.

Happy Hour Music - Kristin Sweetland and Steven Brian

The second Dart Music/Harris Radio happy hour took place last evening - with great weather and a full crowd.

Kristin Sweetland from Canada:



Steven Brian from Hawaii:

Music @ Betsy's

Harris Radio presented a 'Liquid Lunch' at Betsy's today ...

The Spring Standards from NYC sung to their fans on the sidewalk (the bar did not open when it should have) ...



Special guest Kendall Nash ... she's having fun this week, so no Kendall's Hit List ...




Kristin Sweetland from Canada got her SXSW going in style ...



Allison Russell and JT Nero (now known as Birds of Chicago), joined by Austin's Joe Faulhaber, sang a great set ...



So, some good people work at Betsy's, but overall the organization is a clusterfuck.  One word of advice to anyone thinking of putting on a showcase there: don't!

Happy Hour Music - Jess Williamson and Longital

Getting away from it all at SXSW is a challenge, but Dart Music International and Harris Radio are making it possible via our Happy Hour hangs, taking place each evening.  They kicked off today at a semi-secret location ...

Jess Williamson from Austin:



Longital from Slovakia:

Brooklyn Coming to Austin for SXSW

Jeremiah Birnbaum and those nice chaps from Bar 4/Local Correspondents are putting on a day party on Saturday.  With a little bit of help from Harris Radio.