One of the best and biggest festivals in the country, South By Southwest, (SXSW) is officially underway in Austin, Texas.
From now until March 20th, thousands of industry insiders and fans head to the Lone Star State to take in the newest and coolest in the world of film, interactive technology, conferences and of course, music. Over 2,000 artists rock over 90 different venues around downtown Austin for more than four days.
Tons of free music, epic performances and collaborations culminate in some of the most talked about moments in music for the whole year.
SXSW is known as the epicenter of the fest, featuring the newest and hippest up and coming musical talent in hip-hop and indie rock. If you don’t have a badge for the actual fest, there are the sponsored parties that only require RSVP.
GlobalGrind has all of the coolest SXSW shows to catch, parties to attend and places to eat and drink in Austin, so check back each day until the end of the fest for the scoop on what’s happening.
Tonight is the night we’ve all been waiting for, the VEVO Power Station featuring Kanye West and the rest of GOOD Music. John Legend, Common, Kid Cudi, Pusha T, Mr. Hudson, Cyhi The Prynce, Big Sean and Mos Def will all hit up the stage. ‘Ye goes on at midnight, but you’d better get there much earlier to get inside and see all the other amazing acts. If you miss the performance, have no fear, the show will be broadcast on Vevo on Good Friday, April 22nd.
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Today the FADER Fort is hip hop heavy, with The Cool Kids, Killer Mike and headliner Lil B performing. However, British newcomer James Blake is also on hand to showcase his minimalist brand of electronic pop that has been garnering huge buzz within the past few months. Check out James before he blows up and say you were one of the first to see him! Lil B goes on at 8pm, but the bands start as early as 1pm, so you could easily hang out on East 5th Street all day.
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Tonight’s best and most exclusive party is Perez Hilton‘s “One Night Austin” bash. It’s the fourth annual party held by the blogger and always has a very hush-hush guest list. So far, the only two confirmed performers are Selah Sue and Oh Land, however past guests have included Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg and Kanye West. The party is most likely taking place inside the W Hotel on 200 Lavaca Street and you can RSVP for free on his site, however there’s no guaranteed entrance, depending on the crowds.
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Billboard Magazine is hosting their own Billboard Bungalow party and showcase at Buffalo Billards on E. 6th Street, open to all SXSW pass holders starting at 7pm. Tonight’s lineup is all hip hop, all the time with Big Sean, Curren$y, Big K.R.I.T., Odd Future and Cyhi da Prynce playing well past midnight. If you want to hang out and shoot some pool, Buffalo Billards is the place to go. In 1999, the year it opened, it was named the nation’s best new pool hall.
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It being the last night in Austin, you have to get your last fix of quality barbecue before departing. Check out the down home vibe at Iron Works BBQ at 100 Red River. You can get it to go, buy the famous seasonings or sit and eat some of the best BBQ plates of chicken, sausage, pork or beef you’ve ever had. Their catchphrase is “Real Texas BBQ” and one bite will prove why.
