So finally we get around to the last day of SXSW. I’m writing this Monday afternoon because Sunday was spent in a state of suspended animation. Indeed, all of Austin looked rather red around the eyes after 10 days of non-stop interactive, film and music mayhem.
(photo: Fratellis play at Habana Calle 6)
Today, I had to stop by Iron Works on the way out to the airport for one last BBQ feast. Funny, at the counter after picking up a plate piled high with ribs, sausage and brisket, an ESPN cameraman rolled around and said, “Congratulations, you are going to be on a story running tonight with the coverage from Austin of the women’s NCAA basketball tournament.” As if I needed that; be sure to tune in if you want to see a SXSW-wrecked journalist pick up his food.
To the music. The night closed big with Iggy Pop on the main stage at Stubb’s. I cruised by but it was mobbed, the crowd spilling out into the streets, all the way out to the grassy knoles along the river, where fans stationed themselves to get a little listen.
When my friend called to say that Perry Ferrell would play a secret show over at La Zona Rosa, I hoofed it across town. I wasn’t disappointed as Ferrell continues to astound at the ripe old age of 47. He even stuck around to talk with the audience on the BBQ porch after the show. (Look for more coverage on him later)
Before that I caught a couple of great sets at Habana Calle 6, an excellent venue with a rock wall out back by the riverside stage. Glascow trio the Fratellis. played a sunny, upbeat acoustic show. These guys have great melodies, and they certainly must win some kind of award at SXSW for promotion because I saw there name everywhere, even on hotel card keys. Malajube, is yet another band from Montreal, and they energized the crowd with poppy electo punk.
I also managed to catch Lee “Scratch" Perry on the Lone Star stage at the Convention Center. He sounded awesome, as usual, but I don’t see how he could possibly look more out of place. And then there was Kid Koala, who played more than an hour at the Parish. I don’t know of anyone who can drop beats and handle three turntables the way he can. He put on a pumping show to a much appreciative audience, and even got them involved on stage when three members came up and participated in a light stick contest for free swag. (More on him later)
Well, that’s it for this year. Time to catch that flight and go get a little R&R.
(photos l-r: Lee "Scratch" Perry; Kid Koala light stick contest; Malajube; Fratellis; Kid Koala)
