Texas Festival features independent artists, films

What do Quentin Tarantino, Jurassic 5 and the Black Crowes have in common? Right now, absolutely nothing -- but in two weeks, they will all be in Austin, Texas as a part of the South By Southwest Festival. \nThe festival, in its 15th year, is a combination of major players and up-and-coming names in the music, film and Internet industries. Organizers estimate 15,000 representatives from these industries will visit Austin March 9-18. Once there, they will see hundreds of bands and dozens of films, and attend industry-related panel discussions and conferences on such diverse topics as "Conscious Hip-Hop" and "Getting Your Film Made."\nThe keynote speakers for each aspect of the festival include Ray Davies, founder of the British rock group the Kinks; independent filmmaker, Michael Moore; and Ian Clarke, the 23-year-old creator of Freenet.\nUnion Board Live From Bloomington Director, Martin Gimenez, a junior, said the strong reputation of the festival makes it one of the most influential music festivals for up-and-coming artists.\n"What usually makes people remember South By Southwest are the random acts that no one knows going into the festival who totally blow away the audience," he said.\nGimenez said the festival is a tremendous opportunity for big name acts to showcase their new albums and for lesser-known acts to make a statement. He said to watch for Ozomatli, who he described as "rock 'en Espanol' meets rap meets fun," and Wesley Willis, "the current king of cult rock stars." \nAt last year's festival, At the Drive-In and the North Mississippi Allstars made names for themselves by stunning audiences with their energetic performances. Both bands are touring to publicize their critically acclaimed albums.\nMarc Lipkin, senior publicist for Chicago blues and roots label Alligator Records, said the festival presents a great opportunity for independent labels and their artists to get national exposure. He said Alligator artists, such as The Holmes Brothers and Marcia Ball, a resident of Austin since the 1970s, will showcase their latest albums at the festival. \n"(Playing at the festival) will put them in front of fans, critics, promoters, bookers, you name it," he said. "You can't buy that kind of publicity."\nSenior Freda Love Smith of the Blake Babies will be playing March 17. Love called the festival a "happy occasion," and said she is excited about the upcoming show. Started in Boston in 1986, the Blake Babies broke up in 1991, but have reunited. \nThe group begins the tour for its new album, God Bless the Blake Babies, on Rounder Records, March 3 at the Cellar Lounge, 123 S. Walnut St. \nThis year's music festival is an eclectic taste of today's music. Everything from alt-country to hip-hop, from soulful blues to metal is represented this year. There will also be plenty of local Austin talent, such as Lotus Festival 2000 veterans Hot Club of Cowtown, and acts from all over the United States. The festival will also showcase acts from countries such as Zimbabwe, Japan, Peru and Sweden.\nSouth By Southwest Creative Director Brent Grulke said many young people flock to Austin for the festival but might experience difficulties.\n"Most hotels are sold out and there are many shows that the general public has a very difficult time getting into after badges and wristbands are admitted," he said.\nThis could discourage students from coming to South By Southwest, but with more than 800 bands performing during five days, there should be plenty of music to see. \n"There are few places more lovely than Austin at this time of year," Grulke said. "Plus, Austin has great barbecue." \nThe festival is open to the public, but is mainly attended by entertainment industry professionals and press who receive badges as admittance. Concert-goers can attend all shows by purchasing wristbands for $95-115. A limited number of tickets for individual shows are available. For more information, visit www.sxsw.com/2001.