First Baptist Church of Austin
This 'Annual Affliction' Is A BLAST!
RECEIVED Wed., March 23, 2005
Dear Editor,
For some reason, it seems to have become fashionable to whine and complain about SXSW and the events around it, as if they are some sort of affliction or temporary illness to be endured.
Well I enjoyed it. The whole crazy week. (Of course, I manage a pub, so the extra business is a big bonus, but I still had fun.) I enjoyed meeting lots of new people, hearing more than 30 bands in four days (without leaving the pub), chatting with a mélange of actors, filmmakers and film buffs, rodeo buffs, basketball nuts, musicians of all stripes, reporters, and plain ol' music fans.
I enjoyed bragging about the fine winter weather, and all the fun that Austin has to offer. I tried to explain what “Keep Austin Weird” means to curious L.A. visitors, and why bats are a prime tourist attraction. I had an especially fine time as St Patrick's Day collided with SXSW in a riot of Irish music. Sure it's a zoo, and I wish we could spread out events like this so they don't all happen in March, but it's our zoo. Enjoy it.
Kudos to our SXSW crew, and to all who make this “annual affliction” such a blast.
For some reason, it seems to have become fashionable to whine and complain about SXSW and the events around it, as if they are some sort of affliction or temporary illness to be endured.
Well I enjoyed it. The whole crazy week. (Of course, I manage a pub, so the extra business is a big bonus, but I still had fun.) I enjoyed meeting lots of new people, hearing more than 30 bands in four days (without leaving the pub), chatting with a mélange of actors, filmmakers and film buffs, rodeo buffs, basketball nuts, musicians of all stripes, reporters, and plain ol' music fans.
I enjoyed bragging about the fine winter weather, and all the fun that Austin has to offer. I tried to explain what “Keep Austin Weird” means to curious L.A. visitors, and why bats are a prime tourist attraction. I had an especially fine time as St Patrick's Day collided with SXSW in a riot of Irish music. Sure it's a zoo, and I wish we could spread out events like this so they don't all happen in March, but it's our zoo. Enjoy it.
Kudos to our SXSW crew, and to all who make this “annual affliction” such a blast.
Regards,
Steve Basile
Steve Basile
