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Post-SXSW encounter with someone who could hurt me
A trip to the dentist today and a conversation with the hygienist made me realize that South by Southwest is a mystery to many. Between x-rays she bemoaned missing Smokey Robinson, one of her favorite performers.
“They didn’t advertise that show at all,” she said. “No mention on the radio, no ads in the paper. The organizers did a lousy job of promoting that show.”
I told her that since SXSW is an industry event, they don’t advertise to the general public. But anyone familiar with using the Internet could find stuff to do, whether they were in the music business or not. “Smokey Robinson didn’t come down to Austin to play for free (well, $250) so the public could fill the place. He came to play for booking agents and folks who place songs in movies and promoters, to show them that he still has it.”
The tooth townie wasn’t feeling me. “I don’t think I like that. Everybody should have the same chance to see the show.”
Yeah, when that happens acts from Smokey Robinson to the Tunnel Ape Bunnies won’t play SXSW.
SXSW is unlike any other festival that plays Austin. The misconceptions (“I thought SXSW was for local bands to get signed”) regarding the conference/ festival are starting to get tiresome, but I had to agree with my hygienist. You don’t want to hear “oops” when you’re in the chair of pain.
Enjoying a slow news day.
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