KUTX, KGSR Showcases Deliver SXSW Music at a Bargain

Quiet Company blew the roof off last year’s KUTX showcase (Credit: KUTX)

Missed the boat on a wristband? Didn’t feel like selling your dog to buy a SXSW Music badge? You’re in luck! Two of Austin’s most local-friendly radio stations are showcasing some of the most popular artists in town.

Austin’s own public radio station 98.9 KUTX is hosting their fourth annual Live at Four Seasons showcase, while 93.3 KGSR will be presenting their live morning broadcast from the W Hotel for the fifth consecutive year.

These low-cost, high-awesome showcases allow fans to check out some of the best local and national talent at SXSW 2016. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of these amazing, affordable shows.

KUTX Live at Four Seasons

Emily Wolfe rocked last year’s KUTX showcase (Credit: KUTX)

What: 98.9 KUTX, Austin’s music-focused public radio station, is hosting KUTX Live at Four Seasons. Each morning with your admission, you get prepped for a day of music with a breakfast taco, granola bar and unlimited coffee. Not only will you be fueled for the day ahead, but you’ll also be treated to four incredible bands.

When and Where: March 16-19, 7-11 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday. At Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.

How Much: $10 per person, per day. All proceeds benefit Seton Shivers Cancer Center. Admission and limited $5 parking is first come, first served.

Who’s Playing: White Denim, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Sweet Spirit, Hayes Caril and Robert Ellis, among others.

Why You Should Go: KUTX has always been a station to promote the next big Austin artist. This showcase is no different. Not only do you get breakfast and a dirt-cheap live show, but you’ll have the chance to say something like, “I saw Tameca Jones at a SXSW showcase before anybody knew who she was!” Add to the mix fundraising for a good cause, and you have a few great reasons to get up early.

Live From The W Austin, It’s 93.3 KGSR

The Avett Brothers will bring their brand of brain-bending bluegrass to the KGSR stage (Credit: Sean Molin via Flickr CC)

What: Not to be outdone by their neighbors down the dial, Austin’s 93.3 KGSR will be doing their own morning showcase for another year. Over 30 artists will be performing at The W, while being aired on KGSR. This year’s lineup is a mix of nationally-recognized talent, along with up and comers, so be sure to get in line early.

When and Where: March 16-19, 2016. Visit KGSR’s event site for specific times. The W Austin is located at 200 Lavaca St. Entrance is at ACL Live at The Moody Theater.

How Much: $5 donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. Admission is first come, first served, so arrive early. You can find paid parking options at the City Hall parking garage, AMLI Hotel across from The W Hotel or valet at The W.

Who’s Playing: Chvrches, The Avett Brothers, Bob Schneider, Ra Ra Riot, X Ambassadors, Soul Asylum and others.

Why You Should Go: Did you miss Chvrches when they played ACL this year? Get there at dawn, plunk down $5 and you’ll see them during SXSW Music 2016! Despite the short sets, bands have been known to answer questions afterwards, creating an intimate atmosphere. All of this while giving to a charitable foundation. Win-win!

Amongst all the madness and mayhem of SXSW, it’s refreshing when we locals have a cheap way to access all the fun. With exceptional lineups at a discount price, all going toward worthy causes, both KUTX and KGSR are bringing SXSW back to where it started: as a wonderfully-weird festival built around exploring music without breaking the bank. Job well done.

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Which radio station showcase do you plan on attending during SXSW 2016?