Boston to Austin
The mace clouds have lifted and SXSW 2004 is behind us. Now all the entertaining SXSW activity stories are being posted and you can find out about all the fun stuff you missed! I managed to get out more than I expected and had a great time. Without a doubt, the best show I saw was Broken Social Scene at 33 Degrees. But a close second, was an unexpected performance on the way home from the only club I have ever been to that multiple people have described as “creepy,” Exodus (at the Silkworm, TV on da Radio, Calexico show). I was pedaling home and about to turn left onto Congress but was slowed by a large crowd across from the Driskill. A small lady was singing to an enormous collection of slick 6th Street partiers, homeless men, hipsters, and everyone else imaginable. It was the enigmatic Mary Lou Lord. Or as a homeless man preferred, “Ms. Boston-to-Austin.” I’ve never been much of a fan but her street and subway performances are legendary. It was cool to see her command the attention of the motley gathering sprawled in front of some random salon and in the street. Total pro.