It’s beginning to look a lot like SXSWmas

SXSWmas, Christmas, they’re both filled with free booze, free shows and round-the-clock parties, right?

I wouldn’t know. It’s not that I’m Jewish — it’s just that the holy year of 2009 is the first time this devout and born-again Austinite will partake in SXSW.

I’m coming up on my four-year anniversary of Austin residency in June, but between spring break trips and a brief sabbatical to Spain, I’ve never actually been in town during a SXSW. Sinful, I know.

I felt pretty overwhelmed by the whole concept at first, but thanks to sched.org I have already planned out my two days off down to the minute. You absolutely must check out this Web site, people. It will be more enriching than that time you were taken over by the holy spirit at church camp.  Really.

And about my two days off — those would be Thursday and Friday the 19th and 20th. Sadly I won’t be able to go check out one of my favorite Austin punk bands, The Young, because they’re playing right in the middle of my shift on Wednesday. Still, if you’re more blessed than I am, you should check them out at Beerland’s unofficial Can’t Stop the Bleeding day party on the 18th.

I caught The Young on Friday night at Beerland; they played all new stuff. I can definitely see they’re taking a new turn with their music. Their short, catchy numbers are growing into extended jam sessions. It’s an unexpected turn for sure, but I think it’s a good one. They’re showing off their true talents a bit more now. And that’s exactly why you should go check them on the 18th.