This was my second SXSW and you know that Sade song, “it’s never, as good as the first time….” Well, that definitely does not apply to SX. It was a fantastic experience the second time around and I cannot wait for next year! It’s difficult to extract 5 favorite moments, as there were so many, but, these definitely stand out:
1. Seeing Kimbra live.
I have been obsessed with the New Zealand songstress for over a year now. When I heard “Settle Down” last summer I nearly lost my mind. Watching her perform it live at our KCRW Official Showcase on Wednesday night at Haven made the trip worthwhile in and of itself. She wore this ultra cute red dress and was like a little doll on stage. Excited to see her career take off! Oh, and she was on my flight out of LA on Monday, but I was too shy to say hi…Yes, sometimes I get shy.
2. Getting whisked past the enormous line at the Miike Snow show at Stubbs on Tuesday night by my friends Johannes and Tobias (of the Miike Snow posse) was priceless.
There was no way I was getting into that line and prob would have missed it altogether. The show coincided with the band’s release of their new album “Happy To You” and it was great to hear all the new songs and old-time favorites again. Before the show we had a delicious dinner at Iron Cactus and I even got to sample their gluten free beer, which wasn’t bad at all.
3. Catching an acoustic set by LA buzz band Races at The Orchard’s showcase on Parkside’s rooftop on Friday.
The band’s female vocalist Devon performed a cover by Joni Mitchell that made my heart melt. After the show, I got Thai cometics and food at Mekong River with my friend and the band’s front-man Wade Ryff. Their Tofu Pad Thai wasn’t too shabby.
4. Getting treated to lunch at Blue Dahlia Bistro on 11th street because the owners love KCRW.
Their coffee and smoked trout platter were the best thing ever. They featured awesome DJs every day from 4-10PM and it was great to eat good food and listen to great music that didn’t interfere with my digestion…Great spot!