Seven years straight.  Kind of freaks me out actually if I think about it too much.  I never would have imagined on that first trip in ‘04, to go see my friends The Amazing Pilots play some music fest in Austin called SXSW, that I would return to that same festival for the next seven years.  But man, do I love going to this thing.

While I got to see a lot of great music this year, the highlight of the trip was getting to see The Middle East at the Paste Party with my good friend, Pete.  Neither of us knew anything about this Australian seven-piece band (an Aussie Arcade Fire of sorts), but I’m so glad we happened upon them.  Which is really the epitome of the SXSW experience in my book — discovering new bands… and drinking free beer!

I’m including this pic of J-Roddy Walston and The Business, not because I’m particularly fond of their music, nor is this that great of a photo (if Mr. Lead Singer got a haircut, that would certainly help); but this shot made the cut for one reason and that’s cause I saw the band play Stubb’s with my good buddy, the one and apparently not only, Joe Roddey.  For the past five years, Joe’s been my wing-man for SXSW.  Like myself, once he caught the Austin bug, come hell or high water (or paid work), there was no missing this annual event.  I can’t think of a better partner-in-crime to tackle Texas with each year, and I’m already looking forward to booking our ‘11 trip!

Milwaukeeans, Kings Go Forth, at The Rumble.  With their upbeat world music sound (and garb to match), I’d never have guessed that these dudes were from Wisconsin.  A pleasant surprise to say the least though, and so glad we happened to catch their set.

Jakob Dylan played a somewhat lackluster set with Neko Case at Stubb’s, which was unfortunate.  Beautiful guitar though, which reminded me of my good friend, Paul Pilot, and his own orange Gretsch.

Julie Feeney at the Irish Breakfast.  And amongst the watchers-on, my old high school buddy (in the far left corner), Dan Hara, who came in from Chicago with some other friends for his bachelor party.  Congrats again on your engagement, Dan!

I took this pic on my iPhone on the last night of the fest, and that’s about all I remember about this shot.  No idea where I was, and no idea who’s on stage.  Guess that’s to be expected after three days of free beer.

Dubliner Conor O’Brien of Villagers at the Irish Breakfast.

Tom Morello’s new band, Street Sweeper Social Club, at Stubb’s.

Butterfly Explosion at the Irish Breakfast.