Music's End

And, we've finally reached Saturday, March 18th, the final day of South by Southwest. Today's schedule included the Arts and Crafts/Barsuk party at Pok-e-Jo's. The day was a damp, rainy one, and kicked with with brit pop band Jim Noir. Pok-e-Jo's also had incredible cornbread and mashed potatoes that I appreciated. Rich himself liked the fried okra better.

We got tired of standing around the barn area in the sand and headed over to Waterloo Records. Smart move on our part because we got into the long line there and caught some of Rosanne Cash's set (daughter of Johnny) as well as grabbing some front row standing room for Nada Surf (Bill's pick). Nada Surf's accoustic set was by far my favorite of my SXSW experience. The store was packed, and everyone was having a great time. Plus, they ended with the Meow Meow Lullaby which was just hilarious: a bunch of rockers singing "Meow Meow Meow."

We headed back to the Arts and Crafts party to try to catch The Most Serene Republic. Unfortunately, we missed them, sticking around for Aqueduct and Andrew Kenny of the American Analog Set. I'd wanted to see Jason Collett from Broken Social Scene, but we were tired and headed home instead.

So, here's my roundup:

Best Live Performances: Nickel Creek, Nada Surf, and Exit Clov
Future Shows I'm going to see in Pittsburgh: Margot and the Nuclear So & Sos and Minus 5
New Favorite Band: Nada Surf
Bands I'll Keep an Eye Out For: Kunek, Great Lake Swimmers, Mates of State

Luckily, I'll be able to get my great music fix at Lollapalooza. I'm planning on going despite the heft $130 + fees pricetag. Let me know if you want to go!

Why? Here's my list:
Wilco
Death Cab for Cutie
The Shins
Nickel Creek
Broken Social Scene
Stars
The New Pornographers
Iron and Wine
Andrew Bird
Nada Surf
Calexico
Go! Team
Mates of State