Black Pistol Fire during 2014 KUTX Live at The Four Seasons (Credit: KUTX Austin KUTX 98.9 via Flickr CC)
Who says you need a fancy wristband or expensive badge to enjoy SXSW? During SXSW 2015, three Austin radio stations are showcasing some of the most popular artists in town.
Austin’s own public radio station KUTX is hosting KUTX Live at The Four Seasons, 93.3 KGSR will be presenting their showcase from The W Hotel and 101X will be broadcasting live from Buffalo Billiards.
All three radio stations offer Austinities and the public an opportunity to see great artists play live. Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of your SXSW experience with these local radio showcases.
The Austin Music Experience During SXSW
What: KUTX 98.9, Austin’s public radio station that focuses on music, is hosting KUTX Live at The Four Seasons. Each morning with your admission, you get a breakfast taco, granola bar, unlimited coffee and you get to see four bands play live in The Four Seasons Austin Ballroom
When and Where: March 18-21, 2015. 7-11 AM, Wednesday through Friday and 8 AM-12 PM on Saturday. At The Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto.
How Much: $10 per person per day. All proceeds will benefit the Seton Shivers Cancer Center. Admission and limited $5 parking is first come, first served.
Who’s Playing: Quiet Company, Emily Wolfe, Max Frost, Delta Spirit, The Dodos, Twerps, T-Bird and the Breaks and Chuck Prophet among others.
Why You Should Go: KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly says, “What we seek to do is connect the audience with artists.” They achieve that with longer sets and an intimate experience. Overall, the lineup is full of incredible artists who also happen to be listener favorites on KUTX 98.9. And you can’t beat breakfast tacos and raising funds for a great cause. Best of all, you don’t need to spend half a month’s worth of rent to get in!
Bring the kids! KUTX Live at The Four Seasons is about connecting all Austinities to artists local (Credit: KUTX Austin KUTX 98.9 via Flickr CC)
Live From The W Austin, It’s KGSR 93.3
Austin’s own Mark Frost will play at The W during KUTX Live – Don’t miss his popular hit “White Lies” (Credit: Bob Blakley via Flickr CC)
What: Austin’s 93.3 KGSR will be showcasing 31 artists this year while broadcasting live from The W Austin. This is another great opportunity to see up and coming and popular bands, including local favorites.
When and Where: March 18-21, 2015. Visit KGSR’s website for specific times. The W Austin is located at 200 Lavaca St. Entrance is at the ACL Live at The Moody Theater.
How Much: $5 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. The first 300 guests each morning also receive a breakfast taco. Admission is first come, first served, so get there early. You can find paid parking options at the City Hall parking garage, The AMLI Hotel across from The W Hotel or valet at The W.
Who’s Playing: Milky Chance, Bob Schneider, My Jerusalem, Bright Light Social Hour, Best Coast and others.
Why You Should Go: The sets are shorter, but that’s to be expected with 31 bands in four days. Like the other showcases, the band will answer a few questions after their set, creating a more connected experience for fans. And don’t forget your $5 donation goes towards a foundation that serves children with terminal illness in the Central and South Texas regions. If you can’t make it during the week, how about a visit on Saturday?
No Wristband? No Problem, 101X Has You Covered
The band Bad Suns from last year’s 101X SXSW Showcase. Admission is free and limited, so get there early (Credit: Nicole Raney)
What: Austin’s Alternative 101X will be broadcasting live from Buffalo Billiards and hosting many artists who will perform or give interviews through the week. This showcase is absolutely free. No RSVP, no badge and no wristband required.
When and Where: March 18-21, 2015 from 1-5 PM at Buffalo Billiards, 201 E 6th St.
How Much: $0. Free. No RSVP, no badge, no wristband needed.
Who’s playing: A.Sinclair, Will Butler, Wolf Alice, Mowgli’s and others. Live interviews with Britt Daniel of Spoon, Passion Pit, AWOLNATION and others.
Why You Should Go: If you’re looking for a SXSW experience right in the middle of all the action, this showcase is for you. It’s also held later in the day and is free. The list of artists on their webpage could change over the coming days, with additions likely as the week goes on. A mix of local artists and those who get national radio play will be there, and you’ll be within walking distance of other South By venues and parties. The crowds and lines may be daunting here, but the payoff will be worth it.
Britt Daniel of Austin band Spoon will be doing a live interview at the 101X SXSW Showcase.(Credit: Kris Krug via Flickr CC)
There’s so much energy in this city during SXSW and these three local radio stations are capturing that energy and presenting it to Austinities and the public in different ways. And while the crowds can be intimidating, don’t let that stop you from seeing some great music. This year, check out KUTX Live at The Four Seasons, KGSR 93.3 Live from The W or the 101X SXSW Showcase at Buffalo Billiards. Better yet, make it to all of them.
@edwinxavierocho wants to know:
Are you planning to attend any of these radio station showcases during SXSW 2015?
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