ATX Man gives you the low down on the best of SXSW Interactive, Music and Film
By Andy East, Grohl photo by Brantley Gutierrez
Interactive
March 8 – 12
“Tomorrow comes today” is the mantra, as current movers, shakers and up-and-comers in emerging technology descend upon Austin to unveil the latest in cutting-edge innovation and gadgets. From industry-leading speakers and panel discussions to hands-on workshops, SXSW Interactive will allow you to tightrope the fine line between the innovators of today and the catalysts of tomorrow. Whether you are a tech-savvy industry guru or in search of the latest gadgets, check out these can’t-miss SXSW Interactive speakers.
al Gore
March 9, 3:30 p.m., Austin Convention Center
The 45th vice president, almost 43rd president, and renowned environmental activist returns to SXSW Interactive to offer up his analysis of the driving forces shaping the future of humankind. Don’t miss the chance to meet him afterward as he signs copies of his new book, The Future: Six Drivers of Global Change.
Elon Musk
March 9, 2 – 3 p.m., Austin Convention Center
Under the direction of this South African entrepreneur, SpaceX is boldly going where no private company has gone before. After becoming the first private company to deliver equipment to the International Space Station, Elon Musk is gearing up for human cargo. Musk also oversees Tesla Motors and SolarCity.
Shaq Goes Global: The Big Interview
March 11, 12:30 p.m., The Long Center
Between being the first confirmed celebrity on the Twittersphere and having a pivotal role in new video startup Tout, it’s hard to deny that the NBA legend is also a social-media pioneer. Be sure to wait around for the Q&A session after the interview.
MSNBc’s rachel Maddow
March 10, 12:30 p.m., Austin Convention Center
Join the award-winning host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and indulge yourself with her trademark repartees, charisma and political acumen in a discussion on current affairs, the powers that be and her book Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power.
chuck LorrE: IN coNvErSaTIoN wITh NEIL GaIMaN
March 9, 3:30 p.m., The Long Center
JuLIEuhrMaN of ouYa aND JoShua TopoLSkY of ThE vErGE
March 11, 2 – 3 p.m., Austin Convention Center
Film
March 8 – 16
Immerse yourself in the depths of cinema heaven and capture the true spirit of moviemaking at the 20th installment of SXSW Film. With more than 100 features to be screened, 69 world premieres and a wide variety of shorts, this year’s delectable genre-encompassing selection is rife with thrills, chills and laughs. Between illustrious speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions on the future of cinema, industry professionals and movie junkies will have ample reasons to go goo-goo. New this year is the Come & Capture Film Factory, which will allow you to get your hands on the latest tools of the trade. The following events are a must.
Downloaded: The Digital revolution
March 12, 11 a.m. – noon, The Long Center
Join Napster founders Sean Parker and Shawn Fanning; rapper Chuck D; Alex Winter, director of Napster documentary Downloaded; and others for a riveting panel discussion on the precarious state of the digital revolution. Be sure to also check out a screening of Winter’s documentary.
a coNvErSaTIoN wITh MaTThEw MccoNauGhEY
March 10, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Austin Convention Center
coME & capTurE fILM factory
March 9 – 12, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel
worLD prEMIErE of The IncredIble burT WondersTone
March 8, Paramount Theatre
humanizing heroes: Storytelling Beyond Sports
March 11, 2 p.m., Austin convention center
Meet the men behind some of the most compelling works of sports storytelling, with Connor Schell of ESPN Films, Ken Rodgers of NFL Films and Ross Greenberg heading up this panel discussion.
EDU
Bill Gates
March 7, 10:30 a.m., Austin Convention Center
On the eve of SXSW Film and Interactive, billionaire computing visionary and philanthropist Bill Gates is scheduled to deliver the closing keynote address at SXSW EDU.
Music
March 12 – 17
Armed with more than 100 stages, 1,000 acts and a who’s who of music industry players, SXSW Music is set to take over downtown to showcase the latest and greatest in music. With a genre-bending mélange of musical acts hailing from the four corners of the globe, this year’s music runs the gamut from rock to electrotango. Between mingling with thousands of industry professionals and music junkies, and the parties, networking events, speakers, panel discussions and the following events, SXSW will surely leave you wanting an encore.
clive Davis
March 14, 2 p.m., Austin Convention Center
With a résumé that includes signing Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Whitney Houston, Aerosmith and many more, this legendary mogul has built the soundtrack of our lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to one of the most visionary and influential people in music of our times.
Dave Grohl
March 14, 11 a.m., Austin Convention Center
The 2013 keynote speaker is none other than legendary grunge rocker and Foo Fighters front man, Dave Grohl. After making a name for himself in music, the ex-Nirvana drummer is now expanding his repertoire in to film, making his directorial debut at SXSW Film with the documentary Sound City.
More to check out
Old Settler’S MuSic FeStival
April 18 – 21, Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch
In its 26th year, Old Settler’s Music Festival is putting together one of its hottest lineups ever, with headliners Michael Franti, Del McCoury Band and Son Volt. Offering a one-of-a-kind festival experience that includes more than 30 superb bluegrass, roots and Americana acts performing on four stages during four days, and with camping in the beautiful Hill Country, Old Settler’s is a festivalgoer’s paradise. Information and passes at oldsettlersmusicfest.org.
AuStin reGGae FeStival
April 19 – 21, Auditorium Shores
All things Rasta unite for the 20th edition of the three-day Austin Reggae Festival. The Wailers, Lance Herbstrong and The Lions headline. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit austinreggaefest.com.
Moontower coMeDy & oDDity FeSt
April 24 – 27, Paramount Theatre
Some of the biggest names in comedy come to Austin this April. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pee your pants with laughter with Jim Gaffigan, Bill Hader, Anthony Jeselnik, Dana Carvey, Amy Schumer, Jim Norton and Bill Burr, to name a few. For tickets and more information, visit comedymoontower.com.
auStin PSych FeSt 2013
April 26 – 28, Carson Creek Ranch
The sixth-annual psychedelic music and art festival will take place for the first time at a beautiful outdoor location. Big names this year are The Black Angels, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Deerhunter, along with many others. For tickets and the full lineup, visit austinpsychfest.com.
aManDa PalMer
March 13, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Austin Convention Center
SXSw MuSic Gear eXPo
March 14 – 16, noon – 6 p.m., Austin Convention Center
nick cave & the BaD SeeDS
March 13, Stubb’s
BranDS are MuSic FanS too, not JuSt PotS oF cash
March 15, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Austin Convention Center
