Inside Music

• The first-ever East End Soulfest kicks off Friday. Sponsored by the East Austin Revitalization Authority, DiverseArts Productions, Chase Bank and the U.S. Department of House and Urban Development, the Soulfest mixes family-oriented events such as the Taste of East Austin, a street festival and children's activities, with the 16th Austin Jazz and Arts Festival, which takes place from Friday-Wednesday. On Sept. 17, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Eleven East, the 57,000-square-foot mixed-use development on East 11th Street. 469-1705, www.theeastend.org. -- Joe Gross

• Many of us think Austin needs yet another festival like a hole in the head, but the Red River Rock-Out looks pretty entertaining. Sponsored by Rank and Revue Magazine, an organization of club owners called the Red River Coalition and the Austin Music Network, the weekend-long festival will span Oct. 8 and 9 and promises to feature all sorts of underground Texas rock, film and art. According to promotions director Tammy Moore, the festival will feature day and night music showcases, panels, exhibits, films and, uh, 'freak shows.' She adds: 'We're hoping that this will be an annual event.' www.rankandreview.net. -- J.G.

• Do not attempt to break the law at the Pier tonight. Under Cover, a band made up entirely of Austin police officers and police trainers, will be playing there from 7:30 to 10 p.m. According to the somewhat Onion-esque press release, the classic rock 'n' roll dance band's goal is 'to have fun, play good music and present law enforcement officers in a less traditional setting.' Feel free to insert your own Ozomatli/SXSW joke here. www.pierlakeaustin.com. -- J.G.

• The Sept. 4 issue of Billboard magazine features a large story about South by Southwest's relationship with Australia. Written by Billboard's 'Australasia' bureau chief Christie Eliezer, the piece details how after six Oz-based bands (out of 22 that performed) were signed after SXSW 2004. According to the piece, it helped that Austrade, the government's export association, held pre-SXSW 'boot camps' that 'offered advice on everything from filling out U.S. customs forms to getting a cheap meal in Austin.' www.billboard.com. -- J.G.

• A memorial tribute for late Austin-born jazz musician Martin Banks will be held 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Laguna Gloria (3809 W. 35th St.). There will be live music and a reception for Banks, who died of a heart attack on Aug. 20. A fund has been established to provide assistance for Banks' wife and grandchildren. For event information, call 448-3485. -- J.G.