Today was all about seeing music. I saw a lot of bands today. Last I counted it was 14 (two I saw twice). Too many band highlights to include them all. Free BBQ for breakfast, The double dose of both Tournament of Hearts and Queen Caveat, a shot of Free Energy, the Buzzband showcase with Dead Sara, Vanaprasta, and NO, seeing Marcus Foster for the first time, that casual run in with Eve 6…

Instead of detailing all the greatness, I’m just going to share a couple very important lessons I took from today.

Lesson 1: Always plan to change the plan

I would be completely useless without a plan. I have an 11 page detailed list of bands to see with times, places, and access levels. I live by my SXSW schedule. However, part of that plan is knowing that what you end up doing will probably vary from your first option.  Plan A this evening was to head to 1100 Warehouse to see fun. and my top pick Scottish rockers, Twin Atlantic. After getting in to the crowded sauna and waiting around for over 40min. we realized that this was just not going to happen. In addition, a couple of my favorite bands booked last minute shows at Rusty’s so we left and went there. I ended up having an amazing evening filled with many friends and a couple of my favorite bands. If I were set on sticking to the original agenda, my night might not have gone so well.

Lesson 2: It’s good to stick with your friends/high fives make everything feel better

I realized at the end of the day today that of the many bands I caught, only a small handful were ones I didn’t know or hadn’t seen before. I also spent most of the day in a group of people which is unusual for me when it comes to music-festival situations. However, I ended up having a blast! I love all the bands I got to see and the people I saw them with. We started high-fiving each other every time something worked out and I realized that high fives really do make you feel better. So many friendly faces up on stage or dancing with you in the audience just makes me happy and happy seems a very good thing. Side note: I cannot believe just how many people I know here in Austin. Seriously, every time I turn around, there’s another familiar face! I love it!!

I know all that isn’t very band or music specific, but hey, it’s nearly 5am and my free breakfast with Ben Kweller starts in just a few hours.

Speaking of tomorrow, there are several events I’m really looking forward to. Here are few of my musical suggestions:

• 12pm: Tournament of Hearts at the ATN Showcase (Bayou Lounge 500 E 6^th St)- yes, I just saw them twice today, but honestly, that makes me want to see them even more tomorrow
• 1:15: The Chevin at Maggie Mae’s (323 E 6^th St)- loved this Brits when I saw them in LA. Don’t want to miss any opportunity to see a great band that isn’t based in the US. They also play at 8pm at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto)
• 2pm: Twin Atlantic at The Cedar Door (201 Brazos St)- I missed them today. I hope this doesn’t happen again tomorrow. They are also playing 11pm at The British Embassy (512 San Jacinto)
• 2:45: We Are Augustines (612 W 4^th St at Rio Grande)
• 3:30: Glen Hansard at Antone’s (213 W 5^th St)- another must see SXSW artist
• 4:45: Ben Howard at 715 Red River
• 5:15: Semi Precious Weapons at The Cedar Door (201 Brazos St)- SPW invades Austin…YES!
• 6pm: Adam Arcuragi at Second Stage Showcase/Hotel Piano (3401 S I-25). – Adam also plays at 1am at The Whiskey Room (503 E 6^th St)
• 8pm: The Roxy Showcase at Empire Automotive (604 E 7^th St)- featuring Filligar, Nico Vega, and Imagine Dragons…of course I’m there!
• 1am: The Silent Comedy at Velveeta Room (521 E 6^th St) – I will end the day with a TSC dance party!

Happy SXSW!!

~ Kristen