After having to cancel in both 2020 (one of the first things to do so) and 2021, South-by-Southwest thankfully returned to Austin last year (QRO recap), but it was a decidedly smaller affair. And if it didn’t reach the ‘Drake & Lady Gaga’ ridiculous heights of the last decade, SXSW ’23 was bigger & better than the year before, with more acts, more sponsors, more places, and more drink tickets, Monday-Saturday, March 13th-18th.
Even before COVID, Saturday at SXSW had become smaller, as more acts used it for getaway day than get rocking day. Unfortunately, that was still true in ’23 (as was the cold weather of the day before), but it was a chance to hit up some places that had been missed.
White Claw Lounge showcase @ The Sunset Room
Abraham Alexander
In the South-by of drink tickets, even White Claw went that way, over open bar – but did give three, plus a food ticket. And there were the smooth sounds & charming talk of Abraham Alexander.
SoCo Stomp party @ C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
Matthew Logan Vasquez
During SXSW, the south side of Austin leans away from the contemporary Sixth Street and towards the city’s weird country-blues roots, “Keeping the South Side as it has been.” Gentrification is still a threat to C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, but they brought a great pick to close out the day showcase with Matthew Logan Vasquez of Delta Spirit, who had nice blue-country rock, though admitted it was “hard to do anything blue-y after Ian Moore,” and told a story of once being taken to see the earlier-in-the-day performer by his mom (who was at C-Boy’s).
New West Records party @ Still Austin Whiskey
Call Me Spinster
Even further south off S Congress Ave is Still Austin Whiskey, one of a group of distillers & breweries – though the first in the area (after the owner got the law changed to allow distillers in Austin city limits), and the only one making hard alcohol. In addition to tasty cocktails was Call Me Spinster, sweet country sound from sweet country girls, including a sweet story of one’s two-year-old messing with their knobs. Had some friends there, and even pulled off a kazoo solo.
Unfortunately missed:
~ Esther Rose @ Still Austin Whiskey, 7:00 PM. Played an hour earlier than expected, got down there just after she finished.
