Ins & Outs & All-Abouts

As I write this, it's only Monday -- again, see our daily papers for the latest updates -- but so far, here's the dish on last minute music fest ch-ch-ch-changes. Freddy Fender, who as this column recently related had a kidney transplant, decided to convalesce a bit longer and is out of the SXSW showcase running. (Note that Billy Joe Shaver just had his long-overdue heart bypass, but he wasn't playing SXSW this year, anyway.) Living up to their name are AWOL, while Dolomites, Drowning Man, Cooper Temple Clause, Jucifer, Syndicato Del Argentino Hip Hop, the Aislers Set and Pilot to Gunner are also out. Superego and a proper set for Chip Taylor have been added, and Thursday's Eddie Spaghetti gig has now become the "official" Supersuckers showcase. As far as interesting possibilities, those hoping for a glimpse of non-performing keynote speaker Robbie Robertson take note that he's done A&R work for showcasers East Mountain South, and he's said to be a big fan of Jet Foo Goo. Also, the Realistics' manager is James Barber, the current better half of none other than one Courtney Love, so keep an eye peeled. For those of you with badges, Love is supposedly being enticed -- in addition to her own Saturday interview session -- to join the gossip panel. Then again, that may just be a rumor.