theMET's 2009 Festival Guide: South by Southwest (SXSW)!

South By Southwest (SXSW) is best described as the Sundance for music. Austin transforms and becomes the hopes and dreams of every musician lucky enough to showcase their music. Though originally started as a way to push local bands into the limelight, SXSW has now turned into a music, movie and tech industry event that no one wants to miss.

The SXSW MUSIC AND MEDIA CONFERENCE features a legendary festival showcasing more than 1,800 musical acts of all genres from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin.

The SXSW FILM CONFERENCE AND FESTIVAL explores all aspects of the art and business of independent filmmaking. It's a five-day adventure in the latest filmmaking trends and new technology, featuring distinguished speakers and mentors.

The SXSW INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL celebrates the creativity and passion behind the coolest new media technologies. In addition to panel sessions that cover everything from web design to bootstrapping to social networks, attendees make new business connections at the three-day Trade Show & Exhibition.

SXSW: For anyone in the music, film or tech biz.
What is it?: SXSW's original goal was to create an event that would act as a tool for creative people and the companies they work with to develop their careers, to bring together people from a wide area to meet and share ideas. That continues to be the goal today whether it is music, film or the internet.
Where: Most SXSW Conference events take place at the Austin Convention Center.
When: March 13-22 (Interactive: March 13-17; Film: March 13-21; Music: March 18-22)
Who'll Be There: Bands you've heard of and have not heard of (yet). Industry folks up the ying yang. Quincy Jones delivering the keynote speech at SXSW Music.
How Much?: As of right now (till Feb 16) prices range from $325 to $1050, depending on what level you purchase.

Some pics from last year:

John Cho, Kal Penn, Neil Patrick Harris, Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg attend the world premiere of 'Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay'

Los Angeles-based Earlimart performed March 13 at Direct TV's SXSW Live, inside the Austin Convention Center.

Singer Will Sheff and Okkervil River plays the Austin Music Awards on March 12th, 2008 in Austin, Texas.

More info at SXSW

Other Awesome Festivals:
theMET's 2009 Festival Guide: Bonnaroo!
theMET's 2009 Festival Guide: ULTRA!
theMET's 2009 Festival Guide: Coachella!

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