On Tuesday next, I will be descending into the belly of the beast that is SXSW. I haven’t been to the annual music fete in at decade, but it has evolved into a completely different animal during that time. I’ve heard rumors of 2,000 bands playing show after show after show during the course of the festival. I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’m already exhausted.
For those of you Portlanders who will not be joining me deep in the heart of Texas, fear not: you can have a small taste of the festival style action right here at home.
Called FXFU, this one day festival of local artists will be taking over the kitschy cool confines of the Hawthorne Eagles Lodge on March 19th, the same day SXSW says its final hurrah for another insane year. The lineup for FXFU – which runs from 5pm into the evening – is a doozy as well. There’s the roots-y fervor of On The Stairs and Mike Coykendall, the steely indie warble of Pigeons, and the freeform brilliance of Stiffwiff. Add to it DJs, inexpensive food, free admission for kids under 16, and you’ve got the makings for a fine way to spend a Saturday evening. If I weren’t going to Austin, I’d certainly be there. Go in my place, would you?
