South by Southwest (SXSW) isn't always known as the world's greatest folk festival, but there are plenty of folk, bluegrass, and alt-country artists that are well worth checking out this year. Here's a quick and easy list of five South by Southwest showcases you don't want to miss. (See also alternative bands you don't want to miss at SXSW.)
SESAC Day Stage Cafe Austin Convention Center
photo: Kim Ruehl/About.com
SESAC (a performers' rights organization) is throwing a showcase on Thursday from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. Among the performers on the bill are Hawaiian singer-songwriter John Cruz, who blew my mind at Folk Alliance last year; Portland, Ore., chamber folk outfit Loch Lomond, and classic style folk-country crooner Justin Townes Earle. If you're looking for the best in up-and-coming talent, this is a showcase you don't want to miss.
Red House Records Showcase
courtesy Red House Records
Red House Records has been supplying the singer-songwriter world with excellent music for 25 years now, and they show no signs of letting up. Stop by this showcase Thursday at the Victorian Room at the Driskill to catch some of the best artists on the Red House Roster: Guy Davis, John Gorka, Rosalie Sorrels, and newcomer Danny Schmidt.
Ground Control Touring Showcase
courtesy Big Hassle
This showcase, sponsored by a tour agency with great taste, features great innovative new folk artists like the Felice Brothers, as well as more folk-rock outfits like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Tim Easton, Deer Tick, and the Love Language. All are well worth stopping in for, Friday at the Habana Bar Backyard from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Signature Sounds Showcase
photo: Kim Ruehl/About.com
Signature Sounds is another predominantly folk and singer-songwriter-oriented record label. Their artists tend to be reliably great, and the folks they're showcasing at SXSW on Wednesday at the Velveeta Room are all worth checking out: Caroline Herring, Peter Mulvey, Chris Smither, Eilen Jewell, Winterpills.
Americana Music Association Showcase
photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
You really can't argue with the exquisite taste of the AMA. They'll be kicking off their showcase on Thursday at Antone's with a tribute to Doug Sahm, featuring the Gourds, Dave Alvin, and others. Later in the evening, they'll have Carrie Rodriguez, Raul Malo, and others. The inimitable Buddy Miller is also on this bill, but there's no word yet as to whether he'll make it, as he is recovering from heart surgery.
