Tangled Up In Wires

Looking at the gauntlet that’s in store for this year’s South By Southwest can be pretty intimidating, so we here at TUIW are going to try to sort through the noise and find the stuff that’s worth doing. This preview is by no means complete, and it reflects my own particular biases (free food, free drinks, and eclectic, left-of-the dial leaning rock), but here goes.

While the music doesn’t start until Wednesday, there’s plenty of free parties and shows going on during the Film and Interactive Festival. Let’s look at some of the most promising, along with what you need to get in (RSVP, Wristband, Badge, etc.). If there’s music we like, there’s a youtube video posted so you can sample the band before you decide. And, finally, if you have any tips or know of anything else going on, post it in the comments or drop us a like at tangledupinwires@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

Mobile Social SXSW 2010 – 2:00 – 6:30 PM – Badges or can pick up a ride wristband from them – Info – Mellow Johnny’s (4th and Trinity)
Austin is a huge biking town, so Mobile Social is kicking things off with a social bike ride at 2, followed by a BBQ and Variety Show at 4. Beer, BBQ, and biking…can’t get much more Austin than that.

Mozilla SXSW Happy Hour Party – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Open – RSVP here – The Cedar Door (201 Brazos)
If you’re reading this blog right now, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Mozilla, so why not stop by and say hello (and take in some kind of marketing pitch). The Facebook event says “Happy Hour Drinks and Appetizers” so it doesn’t sound like there’s free stuff.

Lamebook Party – 6:00 PM – $3 with RSVP – Shangri La (E. 6th)
Office timewaster and hilarious tool of Facebook shame, Lamebook is branching out with a happy hour party at one of my favorite bars in town, Shangri La. They have some DJs and a little music (although no one who stands out to me) prizes, and BBQ, even though you have to pay to get in.

Gawker Media and io9′s Timebender – 9:00 PM – Seems to be open to everyone with RSVP – Pure Volume House (504 Trinity)
Gawker’s big party features a real sword fight! That’s right, at 9 the High Fantasy Society and the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts are going to show off their swordfighting skills. Plus there’s a DJ and an open bar. Basically, this cannot be missed.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

PopBox Party – 7:30 – 9:30 PM – Open w/RSVP – Speakeasy
Sunday is a pretty slow day on the party front. Here’s one that has a DJ, free drinks, some food, and they’re going to try to sell you apps. Hooray?

Mashable’s MashBash SXSWi 2010 – 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM – Open w/RSVP – Buffalo Billiards
If I’m a little slow at work on Monday, this is probably the reason why. A 3 hour open bar, live DJ, and a ridiculous amount of people should make for one of the most crowded and nutty parties of the first weekend.

MONDAY, MARCH 15

T(ea) for Tennesse Party – 7:00 – 11:00 PM – RSVP – Elysium (7th and Red River)
There’s plenty of music on Monday as bands start to trickle in. This party has a couple of promising, if waaay below the radar, bands (including How I Became the Bomb, who I’ve always kind of liked), as well as free beer and free t-shirts.

eDoorways.come Interactive Party – 8:00 PM – Can’t find an RSVP or info like that – The Parish (6th)
Local dance-funk band L.A.X. headlines this (presumably) free show.

The British Music Embassy – 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM – RSVP but Badges and Wristbands Only – Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto)
Here’s your first chance to see punk legend Billy Bragg (who is going to be all over SXSW next week) and the amusingly named Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Beer Camp – 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM – RSVP – Emos (6th and Red River)
Of course, why go after music when you can go to something called Beer Camp? Their Facebook invite promises no hard sell, just some free beer and music, and even a beer pong tournament. Sounds pretty sweet to us!

ATX Emerge – 8 PM – 2 AM – Info – Mohawk
ATX Emerge has got some solid local bands, including Brazos and Califone, and it also ties into this year’s movie festival, and the Texas-shot-and-themed film Skateland.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16

Day Before the Mess Fest – 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM/9:00 PM – 2:00AM – Open – 30th and Red River/707 W.21st St.
So this looks positively epic. As best as I can tell, this is a pair of house parties going on at a couple of co-ops around town with an absolutely insane lineup. The early show has local Phil Spector fans The Carrots and nostalgic chillwavers Reading Rainbow, while the late show has Woven Bones (last seen on Casual Victim Pile) and The Fresh and Onlys, among others. This looks awesome.

House Party – 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM – Open – 1907 Red River St.
I’m not sure if this is also a part of Day Before the Mess or not, but its the same concept. Performing here are booming Austin band Harlem and The Beets!

2nd Annual Panache Pre-Party – 8:00 PM – Badges, Wristbands, or $10 Cover – Scoot Inn
Here’s a promoter party, headlined by Be Your Own Pet alumni Turbo Fruits (who are going to be all over town all week) and punk band The Coathangers.

Art Disaster no. 10 – 8:00 PM – RSVP – Beauty Bar
There’s some DJs and buzzy local bands like Pomegranates and Bright Light Social Hour, but, more importantly, from 8 to 9 they have free beer and vodka.

PureVolume/Paste KickOff Party – 8:00 PM – RSVP – PureVolume House
Since its the PureVolume House, I imagine there will be some free food (although that food will be from Taco Bell) and drink to go with this party filled with Pastey artists like Eisley and Neko Case (performing with Jakob Dylan, so don’t get too excited).

Todd P Presents: Texas Bands and Friends – 6:00 PM – RSVP, open to everyone – Cheer Up Charles (E. 6th)
Promoter Todd P is actually holding his own festival in Mexico next weeked, but on Tuesday, he’s got a SXSW showcase featuring a lot of local bands including Pataphysics (who I’ve seen and enjoyed), No Mas Bodas (who I’ve also seen and enjoyed) and Ringo Deathstarr (whose name I’ve seen and enjoyed).

From the Mind of Adi KickOff Party – 8:00 – Free with RSVP or $3 at the door – Chupacabra Cantina
Dancing and free booze, the two staples of any good SXSW party, are available at this party, according to the Facebook event. I haven’t really heard of any of the acts (except for Austin’s own DJ Car Stereo (Wars) and folkers Peter and the Wolf), but it looks like a good time.