SXSW FINALIZES MUSIC LINEUP, LOOKS TO MAKE AUSTIN GREAT AGAIN
As it does damage control over controversy surrounding its treatment of international artists—South By Southwest organizers now say they will be “reviewing and amending” the language in their Performance Agreement (which has been on the books since 2013)—the venerable Austin festival has also added some heft to its 2017 lineup. Announced additions include Ryan Adams, Neko Case, Grandmaster Flash, Third Eye Blind, Lil Yachty, Sleigh Bells, Gary Clark Jr., Tokyo Police Club and lots more.
The festival also added a heavy hitter to its list of speakers. Following in the footsteps of his former boss, former President Barack Obama, who was a keynote speaker in 2016 (former First Lady Michelle Obama was a fellow keynoter), ex-VP Joe Biden will discuss ways in which cancer can be tackled and unveil his plans for a Biden Cancer Initiative. He will also reveal how seeing the Texas Tornados at The Hole in the Wall in 1995 changed his life. Austin Convention Center, 3/12 at 3:30 pm.
Speaking of the Feds, FBI Director James Comey will discuss national security with Newseum President and CEO Jeffrey Herbst. When that’s over, he’ll be investigating alleged wiretapping of weasels at the Four Seasons. Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon H, 3/13 at 5 pm.
Hungover from an overdose of political discourse? Pledge Music hosts free music, coffee and breakfast tacos for early risers and those who’ve yet to hit the sack. Pledge Porch at The Blackheart features acoustic performances from Garland Jeffreys, Nicole Atkins, The Weeks and SSHH. 3/15-3/17 9-11:30 am.
Stay tuned for more weasel-related content from Austin.
