Audio Overflow's Guide to SXSW 2010

I have never been to SXSW in Austin, TX.  I live three hours away from the city and I've always wanted to catch a show or two; but if you've ever been to Austin, you know the traffic is pretty awful on a normal Wednesday afternoon, much less during the city's most tourist-filled week.  So I pass.  This year, I'll be in Austin here and there, but for those of you who'll be in the city for the long haul, here's a handy, Audio Overflow approved guide to the organized chaos that is South by Southwest.

WEDNESDAY

Spotlight Show:  Uffie at Emo's Annex, 1:00am - Techinically speaking, the Parisian pop-star, Uffie is a taentless enigma.  Listening to her music, you may find yourself asking, "Why is this chick famous?"  Go to this show and find out why.  It's sure to be an awesome time!

Spotlight Showcase:  NPR Music Showcase at Stubb's - One of the most solid lineups you'll find all week, highlighted by the James Mercer/Danger Mouse project, Broken Bells at 11:00pm.

8:00pm - Visqueen
8:45pm - The Walkmen
9:45pm - Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings
11:00pm - Broken Bells
12:15pm - Spoon

Other Shows:

Das Racist at Buffalo Billiards, 9:00am

Surfer Blood at Wave Rooftop, 1:00am

THURSDAY

Spotlight Show:  Broken Social Scene at Stubb's, 12:45am - Truth be told, I'm not the largest BSS fan, but I'd still love to see them do their thing live.  Plus, at a venue like SXSW, who know's who will show up.  Also, they have a pretty sweet opening band.  Perhaps you've heard of them?  Band of Horses!

Spotlight Showcase:  Merge Showcase at Cedar Street Courtyard - Granted, it's not the strongest lineup on the planet, but if you're looking to hang out at one place all night, it's not a bad gig.  The highlight would have to be She & Him at 10:00pm, though Wye Oak is a close second.

7:30pm - Special Guest

8:00pm - Let's Wrestle

9:00pm - Radar Bros

10:00pm - She & Him

11:00pm - Wye Oak

12:00am - Lou Barlow

1:00am - The Love Language

Other Shows: 

Wallpaper at Beauty Bar, 5:00pm

Midlake at Buffalo Billiards, 1:00am

Rogue Wave at Emo's (Main Room), 10:00pm

Okkervil River at LaZona Rosa, 12:30am

Eisley at Maggie Mae's Rooftop, 1:00am

Rocky Votolato at RedEyedFly, 12:00am

Band of Horses at Stubb's, 11:30pm

FRIDAY

Spotlight Show:  Plants and Animals at Antone's, 9:00pm - These crazy Canadians released their debut album way back in 2008, and it managed to make it in my Top 10 for that year.  I've been loving them ever since.  If there was one show on this day that I absolutely HAD to see, it'd be this one!

Spotlight Showcase:  Dickie's Sounds Showcase at Lustre Pearl - Four solid bands, all of them playing other dates at SXSW, but hearing them consecutively is not only convenient but awesome.  Or conveniently awesome.

9:00pm - Here We Go Magic

10:00pm - Surfer Blood

11:00pm - Broken Bells

12:00am - She & Him

Other Shows:

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears at Austin Music Hall, 8:00pm

Band of Horses at Central Presbyterian Church, 8:55pm

Anya Marina at Maggie Mae's, 9:00pm

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart at Mohawk, 1:00am

Uffie at Mohawk Patio, 11:30pm

Miike Snow at Mohawk Patio, 12:00am

Broken Social Scene at The Parish, 12:00am

SATURDAY

Spotlight Show:  Wallpaper. at Beauty Bar Backyard, 11:40pm (or 8:00pm) - Times vary (depending on who your source is) on when my favorite band from Oakland starts playing.  Bottom line is this, they'll be at Beauty Bar on Saturday, and if you're off at some other venue watching a weak band from Ohio do their lame songs, I will hunt you down.  Don't miss this show!!

Spotlight Showcase:  AM Only Showcase at Beauty Bar - Not to be redundant, but besides the fact that Wallpaper. is playing this one, it looks like a fun show.  The other lineups for Saturday night are compartively weak, so if you want a good mix of pop, dance, hip hop, and electronic music, there's no better place to be on March 20th.

8:00pm - Body Language

8:40pm - Two Fresh

9:25pm - Mickey Factz

10:05pm - Hussle Club

10:40pm - Felix Cartal

11:40pm - Wallpaper.

12:10am - Treasure Fingers

1:00am - Daedelus

Other Shows:

She & Him at Auditorium Shores Stage (at Lady Bird Lake) - 8:00pm

Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears at Austin Music Hall - 11:40pm

Rogue Wave at Day Stage Cafe (at Austin Convention Center) - 2:00pm

Surfer Blood at Mohawk Patio - 11:00pm

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So there you have it, all the shows I'd go to if I were heading to Austin.  I will be in the city the weekend before, and I still may drive up to see Wallpaper., so who knows? 

Let me know if I missed anything in the comments.