Page Two

This issue is your last chance to fill out The Austin Chronicle Music Poll ballot. Although it may seem like an intimidating task, you can fill out as much of it or as little as you want. Over the last 15 years, the music scene has grown and changed, sprouted and shrunk, matured and ruptured: Over the years, the Music Poll results have been a running document of what has gone on. It seems odd to look at the class of '82, the cover photo of the first Music Poll winners, many of whom will still win, place, or show in this year's poll. The scene has changed, but its history is alive and working.

The ballot is your chance, readers, to step forward and be counted. In many ways, the music scene defines this community and the poll is constructed to reflect not just the winners but the top ten or so runners-up in over 60 categories. Voting assures your favorites, the ones you listen to in clubs and on the radio; the artists whose CD you buy get the attention they deserve.

The culmination of this voting and tabulating will be the Chronicle's Music Awards issue, available the week of South by Southwest and at the annual Austin Music Awards show (presented by The Austin Chronicle and SXSW and co-sponsored by 107.1 KGSR and 101X). Margaret Moser is lugging around her notebook with show plans, is often on the phone, and frequently coming up with new ideas, but the bill so far features 81/2 Souvenirs, the Sexton Sextet, Texas Tornados (minus Freddy Fender but plus Roy Head), and a special tribute to Townes Van Zandt hosted by Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Mr. Paul Ray, of course, is emcee-for-life. It will be held at the Austin Music Hall on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:55pm sharp; advance ticket information will be announced soon but ballot deadline is Friday, February 7. Expect updates as names are added to this bill.

The deadline to register your group or act in the Musicians Register (co-sponsored by 107.1 KGSR) is also Feb. 7. The Register is not only included in the February 21 Chronicle but is also inserted into every registrant bag at SXSW. This register is used as a directory of Austin music by nearly everyone in the music business, not just in Austin. When you register, you can pick up your ticket for the Austin Musicians Appreciation Supper at Threadgill's north (co-sponsored by KLBJ-FM, the Austin Music Network, and The Austin Chronicle.)

The Austin Film Society will present a special screening of Richard Linklater's new film SubUrbia, based on Eric Bogosian's play. The screening, introduced by Linklater with others from both cast and crew, will be at the Paramount Theater. This is a benefit for Texas Filmmakers' Production Fund, which gives independent filmmakers money to help with their projects. Tickets go on sale for $15 on January 30 and are good for entrance to the reception afterward. Call the Austin Film Society, 322-0145 for more information. (Note: Louis Black is on the AFS Board.)