SXSW Day 1 - Weds

After a few pitchers of Fireman's 4 at Side Bar on East 7th, I kinda got a glimpse of how Austin has changed. Not sure if the back yard would be as packed on a Texas summer day, but it was a total Urban Outfitters fashion show.
First stop was Olaf Arnalds at Swan Dive. Intimate show and setting. I really dig the white and retro theme at Swan Dive. Reminds me of Chitown and NYC, actually. Then it was decided that we stand in line for the old people: Duran Duran at Stubbs. I figured that any other act good to see at the same time would out live Duran Duran. So no Smoking Popes or DeVotchKa. The old guys can still rock it out. Couldn't help but picture Ricky Gervais as Simon Le Bon.
The line to get into Stubbs was long. I still can't believe we waited. Three little european dudes tried to get in front of us. Well, my sister was going to go insane in the membrane on their ass until some guy w a SXSW badge, with a Maglight on hand shined a light on their faces telling them that people have waited an hour and go to the back. Hilarious. 1) cutting in line at any event is bad karma 2) the guy w the badge and maglight was a pro - official camera w large lens, water bottle, maybe even a compass and shit to pitch a tent all hanging around his waist.


Olaf Arnolds









Duran Duran