Which Way to the Free Beer?
All too often, SXSW feels like a barbecue-and-bunion-intensive episode of Survivor, so “TCB” asked assorted music-industry locals (and one ex-local) for advice on how not to be voted out of the afterparty.
JAN MIRKIN, ASCAP: “I surround myself with good friends, eat Maudie’s breakfast tacos, drink lots of coffee and bottled water, and wear comfortable shoes!”
WENDY MORGAN, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau: “Pick up free Downtown maps at the Visitor Center [Second and San Jacinto, under Convention Center parking garage]. Also, get a Capital Metro Dillo Map for free rides to day parties or most film screenings until 6pm.”
MARK RUBIN, 1001 Nights: “I would direct folks to the ‘300-pound Guy’s Guide to Good Eats’ www.markrubin.com/sxsw/eats.html.”
KENT BENJAMIN, Pop Culture Press: “Wear the most comfortable shoes you own. Dressing in all black marks you clearly as a tourist. Plan your evening around the most essential bands, and fill in with bands within walking distance.”
DIANNE SCOTT, Continental Club: “SXSW for me is like ‘Death by Chocolate’ to a choco-holic: I thrive for exactly a week on not enough sleep, too much coffee, and more first-rate live music than most people hear in a lifetime!”
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER, Minneapolis Star-Tribune: “Too many people I know go crazy on the first two nights and are then winded by Friday. While I understand the urge, especially after tasting Minnesota margaritas, don’t overdo it. Unless, of course, it’s free.”
EMILY FAWCETT, Club DeVille/ Privilege: “In short, a healthy dose of cardio, Jäger, and, if you’re that type of person, No-Doz can help you through the week. If you are from out of town: Please don’t move here!”
RAY SEGGERN, 107.7 The End: “As with any marathon, I ‘train’ for a couple of weeks to ramp up to convention-level drinking. Earplugs are condoms for the music biz, and it’s a given you’ll have multiple partners this week, so wear protection.”
WOODY WIEDEMAN, Room 710: “Free day shows equals free beer, free food (except for my bar).”
JILL MCGUCKIN, McGuckin Entertainment: “I focus on keeping a sense of humor and ’emergency’ chocolate bars within easy reach. I change my shoes at least twice a day, and don’t start drinking until after 10pm.”
This article appears in March 14 • 2003.