Every year, thousands of people in the music business converge on Austin for the annual South By Southwest Music Festival (SXSW).  It’s that time of year again and all of us are bracing for the madness that is SXSW.  Believe me, there is plenty of beer, booze, parties, and late night music to make it feel like Spring Break.  It seems like you need a couple of weeks to recover! 
However, there seems to be a trend brewing during SXSW.  More and more organizations are having SXSW day parties and showcases that benefit a charity.  This seems to combine the best of both worlds, FREE music and parties…..with some angle to benefit someone or something.
I’ll start with our event first (M&S).  It happens on Sunday, March 14th from 2-10pm.  There will be 8 bands, 2 stages, and the best in Austin bands.  All for the price of 4 canned goods that will benefit the Capital Area Food Bank.  Go to www.msmusicmgt.com for more info.
There is also a benefit event at the parking lot of St. Vincent De Paul on South Congress (down the street from the Continental Club).  There will be 4 bands a day during SXSW from 4-8pm.  All for $5 to benefit St. Vincent De Paul thrift store.  This is all done through the Freebirds World Works program.  Go to www.sincitysocialclub.com for more information. 

Rajiworld also hosts an event on Friday, March 19, 2010 Austin TX at Jovita's.  Bands from 12-7 PM, no badges or wristbands needed, all ages, free parking, chair massage, air conditioning, tables, full menu and full bar.  All this benefits  Sweet Relief!!  Go to www.rajiworld.com for more info.

Don’t get me wrong, I love free booze, parties, and music just as much as the next guy.  However, its good to know there are opportunities out there to not only make some fun happen, but also to make a difference.

See you at the show.

Beginning with the band The Mother Truckers in 2005, Mark has been involved in road management, merchandise management, street team management, tour development, press and publicity, and band management. With his wife Sarah, he started an Artist Development firm in 2007 (M&S Artist Development, which is now M&S Music Management) that currently includes Grammy winning Joel Guzman and other prominent Austin artists