by Kelli Ford

Excited out-of-towners and seasoned and cynical Austin veterans alike sometimes wonder if there is mid-March musical life beyond South by Southwest. The pricey music showcases, expensive if existent parking, and enormous lines can begin to wreck havoc on one's wallet and supply of patience. If you find yourself in the category of the light-walleted ones, nearing zero tolerance for all the people and hoopla, or you just know that the best is not always the most talked about, there is still hope for some good music during South by Southwest.

This year the trend continues of Austinites taking matters into their own hands and creating alternative venues during the festival. 33 Degrees, a record store at 4017 Guadalupe Street, continues bringing us an eclectic selection of live music during -- but not as a part of -- South by Southwest. On Friday the 19th, Calexico, an alternative country act out of Louisville, Kentucky, will play a free show. On Saturday, ...Man or Astroman...? will bring Austin their sci-fi surf rock at 2:00 pm -- also for free. Saturday night after the store closes (around 11:00), five bands from the Northwest will play short sets. There will be a cover for this one -- which is good, because musicians have to eat too! The night includes Dub Narcotic from Olympia; EQ, a drum and bass electronica sort of thing; KG, formerly Kicking Giants; Miranda July; and Sarah Dougher, who used to live in our lovely city and also plays with the Lookers. They said all shows and times are subject to change, so stop in if you want more information.

If you cannot make it out at all -- or are driving around downtown looking for parking -- be sure to catch 3x5 on 91.7 KVRX. The student-run radio station will broadcast and record a mix of three local and touring acts a night for five nights (get it -- 3x5?), starting on Monday the 15th. Oh, and all the music will be broadcast live from their new building at 26th and University.

It seems that this year, Austin will be blessed by two South by So Whats (read: SXSW -- cute, huh?). Miss Laura, proprietor of the late punk haven the Blue Flamingo located at 617 Red River, started South by So What years ago. This year, she is taking the party -- which is a benefit -- to the Off Center, between 6th and 7th Streets just past Chicon (on the East Side -- yeah!). It's right by Popeye's Chicken, according to Miss Laura. They are planning to have two stages and all kinds of local music from punk to hip-hop. The music goings-ons will be from the 18th to the 20th and will last from about 8pm until 2am. Miss Laura says they will try to be affordable, and if you go all three nights you will get a deal. Keep in mind, however, you are supporting a good cause, as proceeds will go to KVRX to pay for the move to their new building. Miss Laura likes them. She also likes the bands she picks to play her shows. She told me over the phone, "A lot of really good bands have been left out (of South by Southwest), and they deserve to be heard." Things such as the final lineup and prices are still tentative (at press time), so if you want to find out more, you can call KVRX; and they can relay information to Miss Laura. Or, in her own words, "If they really need to reach me, my number is in most of the bathrooms in Austin!"

That's one South by So What. The other one will be at the Purgatory Lounge, located on 617 Red River. Yup, that's where Miss Laura's Blue Flamingo used to be, but the folks over at Purgatory are having their own South by So What this year. Their version will run from March 16th until the 21st and will feature eight bands a night -- nine the first night. Some of the bands featured are Drawn Black out of Houston; Grazp; Tadpole Canabalism; Shovel Nose; Stingrays; Hatchbacks; Punkaroos; Miss Xana Don't; Tall, Dark, and Lonesome; Me and The Devil; Diecast Rabbit; The Lambs; The Chumps; Sangra de Toro; Belligerent 86; Malatov Cocktail; Fuckemos; Bulemics; Jesus Christ Superfly; Skrew; Ponyboy; Zed; and Mayhem Brew. They're going to have thirty-seven bands -- lots of local talent too -- so there is going to be a whole lotta' shakin' going on! Doors open at 8pm, and Thursday through Saturday, there will be after-hours shows until 3am. This one is definitely affordable with week-long wristbands costing adults (those over twenty-one that is) only $13, and the younger folks only have to pay $15 for the whole week. The cover is $7 and eight dollars a night for adults and minors respectively.