SXSW: GOLDA'S FINAL
NOTES FROM AUSTIN

There’s no place like the Four Seasons for a home away from home. The first person I see is my old friend and the soul man himself Sam Moore along with his wife/manger Joyce Moore on their way to the Convention Center to hold court before his evening performance.

There was a little more action than usual at the FS Friday brunch time as BMI took over the lakeside lawn for their annual shindig complete with a makeshift stage to showcase their writers. I think I saw Charlie Feldman somewhere in the crowd, but it was easier to see Columbia's Tim Devine at his patio table with Ten Ten Music’s Patrick Clifford editing some kind of home movie (ummmm) that Tim was making on his Blackberry.

It was much more sedate brunching with Austin attorney Cindy Lazarri and Joe Presnitz, longtime manager of guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson and Morpheus’ Brian O’Neal, our official Irish-Jewish leprechaun for St. Patty's Day. Sitting next to us was Missy Worth, then it was off to SESAC’s rooftop party to hear and see ex-NRBQ legend Al Anderson, who came to town to launch his new Legacy/Sony CD and by in large it was the best show of the whole conference!!! There wasn’t one person sitting, including myself, and I was happy to know that I can still dance.

Aside from the great set, which featured Stevie Ray Vaughn’s original keyboard player Reese Winnans, I was happy to work off the two lbs. I gained from eating a ton of tacos and barbeque, which seems to be Austin's food of choice (I’m told there are no carbs in tequila). Then it was back for more boots at the famous Allen’s, where on the way out we ran into one of Austin’s favorite singer/songwriters Darden Smith, who gave us instructions on how to wear in our boots quickly by standing in a tub of hot water for 15 minutes until they mold to our feet…. right, Darden. He then took us for some more tacos and invited us to be his guests at his label Dualtone’s dinner party (yup, more tacos), hosted by label heads Scott Robinson and his partner Dan Herrington. Stopping at the drugstore for some Zantacs to ease the indigestion, we headed back to 6^th Street for more of Al Anderson (for me there is never enough), who started off the evening for a really great night to be followed by Rodney Crowell and Lyle Lovett.

Saturday morning came too fast and it was time to head out. Ran into Steve Earle at the airport, who had to get back to NYC in time for his show on Air America.

Thanks to all at SXSW for yet another great convention (where I might even begin attending their on-site AA meetings next year). Roland Swenson and his staff put on yet another very cool show for 17,000 registrants, which has grown from 1,700! Until next year...