It’s over. I’m ready for my bed. Ready to stop eating deep fried, greasy, barbecued, wrapped-in-paper food. Ready to not hear live music for 18 hours a day. Ready to get back to a slightly less-exciting daily routine.
Come Wednesday, however, I’ll probably feel nostalgic for Austin.
It’s a good life down here. Obligations are minimal. Everything is outside. Southern girls are pretty. But still, South by (and Austin, as a whole), felt more like a fantasy land than a living and breathing city. Here’s what sticks out in my mind after five full days in the Lone Star state:
Best performances: Yuck at Stubb’s, Ty Segall at Mohawk, A Tom Collins at the Reverb party, Kurt Vile at Club De Ville, Jessica Lea Mayfield in St. David’s sanctuary, Le Butcherettes at Flamingo Cantina, Odd Future at the Brooklyn Vegan party, Jaill on the Red 7 patio.
Best pulled pork: Stubb’s
Best pizza: Hoboken
Best outdoor venue: Mohawk
Best indoor venue: Swan Dive
Best non-music venue: Rio Rita
Best day party: A tie between Rhapsody Rocks Austin and the Reverb party (seriously, mimosas, Great Divide and the deck overlooking Sixth at the super-posh Parkside).
Best way to spend $10 dollars: Two Lone Star pounders ($4 each) with tip.
Best WiFi: Austin Convention Center
Best way to stay organized: SXSW Go app for iPhone, GroupMe
Best place to be at sunset: 4th floor outdoor pool at the Hampton Inn — even without a swimsuit.
Ok, time to head to the airport.
Am I really sitting back at my desk tomorrow?
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John Hendrickson is the Managing Editor of Reverb and a multimedia journalist for The Denver Post.
