Tuesday, March 24, 2009

SXSW: Even the lines are bigger in Texas



Technically, South by Southwest has been going on for a few days in Austin, so the rock bands that rolled into town today don't really have anyone to blame but themselves for finding themselves in big-as-Texas lines to get their festival badges. Because the music portion officially starts today, the top floor of the Austin Convention Center is filthy in bands from all around the globe waiting patiently for their credentials.

Longlinesforbigbagsxsw

Downstairs, attendees wait for their "big bags" filled with fliers from labels and bands, and a few freebies from savvy marketers.

Trucktraffic

Outside, the side streets around the closed-off 6th Street are packed with cars trying to get on Interstate 35, which is also bumper to bumper. Luckily for these folks, if they roll down their windows they can hear the cacophony of dozens of bands simultaneously playing in every direction.

Radioroomline_2

Even the fans are standing in line, like these folks outside the Radio Room. With 1,900 bands playing over just four days, may I suggest avoiding this type of line at all costs. The band across the street playing to no one might be just as amazing.

-- Photos, video and post by Tony Pierce

Original here

1 comment:

you know said...

you are stealing the content of the Los Angeles Times. Cease and desist. If you have any questions, email me tony.pierce @ latimes.com