My SXSW: Steve Wynn
Reviewed by Steve Wynn, Fri., March 18, 2011
I might be wrong, but I think that my band the Miracle 3 and I may have invented the concept of scattershot SXSW gigging and the Herculean athletics of hitting double digits on the number of shows played during the four days of the Music Conference.
When we traveled to Austin in 2001, I figured I would just ask anyone I knew who was having a party if we could play on the bill. Everyone said yes. So I said yes as well. Next thing you know, I was diving into the logistics of how to move a band and back line to three or more shows a day, including radio sessions.
The challenge, and the last-minute arrivals, became as much fun as the shows themselves.
Naturally, we had to leave time for the other joys of the Festival. Barbecue and burritos needed to be consumed. Old friends from both the very distant and very recent past were met, nostalgic reveries sat side by side with future plans and impossible dreams. New bands were discovered, and CDs were gathered.
Most of all, we were enjoying the rare pleasure of playing multiple gigs and venues in one day. Every couple of hours provided a fresh start, a new way to reinvent what went down just moments before. Remake, remodel, repack, and move on – no time to dwell or question. The only moments in question were "now" and "a few moments from now."
Like most musicians, I feel most relaxed and in my element when I'm actually onstage playing music. So we did it again when we came back in 2003. And again in 2006.
Now I'm coming back to SXSW in 2011, this time with two bands: Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3 and the Baseball Project. Between our two bands we'll be doing 12 shows in three days. (By last count, there might be even more by the time we get started.) Sure, these marathons might be a little tougher with the extra years added to our bones, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
To borrow from the sports phrase book: I came to play.
Steve Wynn & the Miracle 3/the Baseball Project SXSW showcase: Friday, Momo's, 1am