Culture Greyhound

My SXSW, I’m sorry to say, ended on a low note that should have been high, but overall it was another fun year, though not as fun as previous ones, for a number of reasons that I won’t go into just yet. The final day probably had some of the best weather that any day of the festival had. I spent most of my day time at Hotel Vegas and Volstead for the Brooklyn Vegan/Partisan/Knitting Factory showcase, where I saw awesome bands like Lucero and Diamond Rugs (a huge highlight for me this week), and rapper Cadence Weapon. Then I met up with some good local buddies and ate at Takoba, the finest Mexican joint on the East Side. Finally, we wandered over to 8th and Trinity for the Red Bull Thre3Style event, where special guest rumors were already running rampant. By the time we got in and got a drink, they had already closed off the gates, so people started jumping the fence early. We saw Datsik, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Erykah Badu, Z-Trip (with Brother Ali), and Questlove from the Roots. The final special guest of the night was Nas, which should have been incredible, but due to microphone problems from the onset, and then a final onstage power-out (whether intentional due to curfew or not, I have no idea), the set was mired with problems and major disappointment. Z-Trip and Nas embraced and walked off saluting the angry crowd, visibly frustrated with the situation.

So overall? SXSW is still the absolute best festival in the world, and this year I got to take more part in the Film and Interactive portions. It cannot be described, one just has to experience it for themselves. That said, this year, compared to the previous years I’ve gone, was a bit of a disappointment. I suppose the letdown that concluded it is symbolic of how I felt throughout, especially during the Music portion. Maybe the City has cracked down on the fun, maybe promoters just didn’t have all the weapons they needed, maybe my expectations for the fest have gotten too high, but whatever the case, I still had a blast, and I’m still looking forward to doing it all over again next year.

I do know no one in the world is happier SXSW is over than my two feet. They braved the elements, and for that I reward them with a relaxing Sunday. You did good, guys. You did real good.