Austin in March

With so many friends heading to Austin this weekend and early this week, I can't help but think of the amazing times I've had at South By Southwest over the years. I've been six times, and here's just a glimpse at some of the memories:

--Slobberbone at Club de Ville. Twelve years later, this remains the greatest set of rock n' roll I've ever witnessed. In a vicious downpour, Slobberbone, joined at times by Jimmy Smith of The Gourds, taught me that yes, rock n' roll can change your life.

--Rushing from The Original Harmony Creek Dippers across town to catch Elliott Smith's encore.

--All those damn Centro-matic shows.

--Sneaking into The Jayhawks' private set at Stubb's.

--Late night Richmond Fontaine set with Afterschool Special.

--Kevn Kinney playing a backyard bbq that started somewhere around 5am.

--Public Enemy in the park. They weren't that great, but I was finally seeing Public Enemy.

--Bottle Rockets, Joe Henry and The Meat Puppets at Liberty Lunch: Now that's a bill.

--The American Spirits lounge in the Omni.

--Never missing the New West party.

--The annual trip to drop about $500 at Waterloo.

--South San Gabriel opening with "New Brookland."

--A blistering Marah set at Waterloo.

--That Brakes set. Man.

--Discovering Apollo Sunshine and seeing a room of about 100 people completely floored.

--Lone Star.

--The Backsliders at Liberty Lunch.

--Meeting Joe Ely.

--A very drunken night with the guys from Richmond Fontaine.

--The endless friendships that were born in Austin.

--The Yard Dog.

--World Party!!

--Every stunning set by The Gourds.