Spring Break
SXSW 40 Watt Party to showcase Athens musical prowess
JOHN BARRETT
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Out & About
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Every spring, more than 10,000 music lovers flock to Austin, Texas, to experience SXSW, which boasts live performances from thousands of different bands in addition to films and conference panels.
"You can go into just about any bar [in Austin] and encounter something unexpected," said Lucas Jensen, drummer for the local pop-rock group Venice Is Sinking and a University grad student. "It's a fun place to go and discover new music. That's what it's really all about - showcasing, getting publicity."
Athens' own music scene, long renowned as a thriving musical center of the South, will contribute a full 13 acts to the festival - a marked increase compared to previous years.
"There was one year, where only three Athens bands made it [to SXSW] total," Jensen said. "But this year, it's a pretty rock-solid bill. Plus, The 40 Watt has a lot of cultural capital, so I think that really helps out."
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST: THE 40 WATT DAY PARTY
featuring Maserati, Pride Parade, Venice Is Sinking, A.Armada, The Dumps, Dead Confederate, Modern Skirts, Gift Horse, Dancer vs. Politician, Quiet Hooves, Twin Tigers, Winter Sounds, Holy Liars, Gentleman Jesse, Mean Creek, Still Flyin'
When: Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Side Bar, Austin, Texas
Cost: Free
Venice Is Sinking and the other Athens bands at SXSW are all slated to perform at a special daytime showcase party courtesy of the 40 Watt Club.
The showcase will be held on Saturday and will feature Athens' finest local talent on both an indoor and an outdoor stage.
Allen Owens, the lead guitarist for Pride Parade, looks forward to exposing the heavier side of the Classic City via his group's triple-guitar arrangement.
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