South By Midwest: Where to find Milwaukee bands at SXSW
Group Of The Altos is one of many Milwaukee bands playing SXSW.
The last few years have found Milwaukee leaving an increasingly large footprint at South By Southwest, which kicks off in Austin, Tex. on Friday and runs through March 21. In 2009, 13 bands made the trek; this year, it goes up to 14.
Though the official roster contains exactly one gazillion bands, SXSW is perhaps better known for its slew of unofficial shows and day parties. Accordingly, nearly half of all the Milwaukee groups playing SXSW will be part of the Muzzle Of Bees' unofficial "SXSW vs. MoB" showcase. Kings Go Forth, Pezzettino, Juniper Tar, Invade Rome, Conrad Plymouth, and Group Of The Altos will all represent our city at the Habana Calle 6 on Thursday, March 18. Also playing Austin that week are The Candeliers, who will perform March 18 at the Carousel Lounge (a favorite haunt of the late Walter Cronkite), and Friday, March 19 at Jovita's.
Milwaukee's presence in official South By Southwest showcase shows is equally as strong. Juiceboxxx will be performing March 18 at the Beauty Bar, while newly Sub Pop-minted Jaill will play the same night at the Galaxy Room Backyard. Thursday also finds Collections Of Colonies Of Bees at Mohawk, and Heidi Spencer & The Rare Birds at the Bella Union/4AD showcase at Buffalo Billiards.
On Saturday, March 20, Kings Go Forth will bring their 10-piece funk to the Galaxy Room Backyard, while French Horn Rebellion will take the stage at The Phoenix. And hey, those scrappy kids in BoDeans will be playing March 19 on the Auditorium Shores Stage.
