SXSW Day 3: No Rest for the Weary
Editor's note: Seven Days music editor Dan Bolles is in Austin, Texas, this week attending the annual South By Southwest Music Festival.
It's a good thing I'm coming home Saturday morning. I'm not sure my wallet or my body would be able to take much more of SXSW. I'm having a lot of fun and seeing some great bands. But I'm running on fumes. Sometimes it's good to remind myself that I'm 33, not 23.
Yesterday's shenanigans included catching up with some old favorites, specifically Andrew Bird and Chris Thile's excellent band, the Punch Brothers. Incidentally, I've interviewed both Bird and Thile, and they remain two of my favorite Q&As. Both are articulate, interesting and entertaining. They're also both phenomenal live.
I caught Punch Brothers at a Warner Music showcase that also featured Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. who did an oddly touching cover of Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." Here's a version:
Bird was the headlining act for a NPR showcase at Stubb's. BBQ and whistle rock. Throw in 80 degree weather (check) and you've got my personal paradise. As usual, he was excellent. And the songs from his new album, Break It Yourself, translate incredibly well in a live setting. It's a bummer he's not coming any closer than Boston on his current tour.
However, a band that is coming to Burlington — and that I'll be interviewing soon — is one of my favorite finds from last fall's CMJ showcase in NYC, the Lumineers. I just caught them a few minutes ago at the WXPN Day Stage, which you can stream. It'll be like we're rocking out together. Anyway, the Lumineers are playing Higher Ground on April 17. Fans of the Avett Brothers would do well to mark that day on their calendars.
