2007 SXSW Report
by Joan Hathaway
3.19.07

It’s Monday night, I just got off the plane from Austin, Texas after a week attending this year’s SXSW Film and Music Conference and Festival. Snow is on the ground here in Boston and frankly, I don’t care. I’m still basking in the warm glow of another week of Texas sun, listening to music and seeing new and interesting films. Luckily, this year the weather was cooperative, during the music portion, there was not a drop of rain and during the film portion it rained. And what better to do on a rainy day than to watch a movie (or two or three).

Film
At this year’s SXSW film, the proliferation of documentaries continues. One of our favorites was Hell on Wheels which documented the rebirth of roller derby that started a few years ago in Austin and has sprouted over 100 leagues around the world. Roller derby in Austin, grew out of the rock and roll community and filmmakers Bob Ray and Werner Campbell, already part of that community, documented the very early days, the growth, the injuries, and internal struggles to its current incarnation. The film turns into a power struggle and Ray and Campbell’s close ties to their subjects allow them to capture candid moments from all sides. Pictured to the right roller derby subjects get to take revenge on filmmakers Ray and Campbell outside the Paramount Theater after the screening.

From Somerville, MA filmmaker Naomi Greenfield and Sarah Taksler enjoyed a sold-out world premiere of their documentary Twisted: A Balloonamentary. The film follows a handful of people from different backgrounds with a common passion for one thing; making balloon animals. Well, not just balloon animals, balloon sculptures. The doc follows John, a former felon, who now works as a gospel balloon minister; Vera who payed her way through college twisting balloons and out of the trailer park. And James who twists balloons to be a positive role model for kids in his tough Atlanta neighborhood. He shows them you can make money twisting balloons without selling dope. These and five other balloon twisters are featured. The doc also features an animation about the history of balloon twisting narrated by John Stewart (Daily Show). The film successfully pops us into the creative, odd, and sometimes touching world of balloon twisters. Pictured left, Naomi and Sarah teach the audience how to make a balloon dog after the screening.

And a look at the other side of the globe, former US Marine Captain Brian Steidle armed only with a camera documents the genocide in Dafur, Sudan in the documentary The Devil Came On Horseback. The film has its share of horrific imagines, but stays closer to Steidle as he struggles with the events unfolding before him in Dafur and his frustration at the US government for their inaction after delivering his grim reports. The film is shot and told well and, although the subject matter is one that is tough to bring yourself to watch, it’s worth the time. The film is not preachy and succeeds in educating on the history of the region and the current situation. There is a companion book that has just been released in addition to the film. You can learn more about the movie and how to get involved here http://www.thedevilcameonhorseback.com

We needed a laugh from time to time and we got plenty of chuckles from the narrative entries at SXSW. First from Canada, cult darlings The Trailer Park Boys screened their first feature length film. Self-titled and available on DVD, the film follows Ricky, Bubbles and Julian trying to pull off one last caper -- a bubble full of lunies and tunies. Myself not having any history of the characters, or Canada, found the film a bit slow on the yuks. That or it was really late or they just didn’t live up to the incredible hype my friends had led me to believe. In any event, Julian, Bubbles and Ricky (left) settle in to watch the flick… only to leave about 30 minutes into the film. I guess they’ve seen the movie already?

From Australia, comes the unique little gem “Kenny,” the porta-loo cleaner with a heart of gold. Big, burly and armed with many colorful ways to chat human excrement, this narrative, shot as a documentary, doesn’t mock its character, but takes us into his world with an innocence and charm that I’m sure made this a smash in Oz. The film was a family affair as many cast members were related to the director Clayton Jacobson, including Shane Jacobson who played Kenny. Nepotism seemed to work in this film's favor so who gives a sh*t? Let’s hope this one gets some US distribution, it really is a charmer. You can view the trailer on the sxsw website here.

From the US comes a super early screening of “Knocked Up” by Judd Apatow (40 Year Old Virgin). The film is about a stoner dude (Seth Rogen) who happens to knock up the very attractive Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy) after a one-night stand. Hilarity ensues… seriously, this is chock full of laughs and I went in suspect on how they can make this funny, but Apatow succeeds. The film is due out later this summer. Sorry, no trailer available yet, but keep your eyes out for this one.

At the convention center, an odd panel was included at the conference Ready for Primetime: TV Comedy Today’ there were last minute cancellations by two panelists (Family Guy, Seth MacFarland and Winner, Rob Cordry), but the panel was no less interesting (and funny) as panelist representing writing credits for The Family Guy, Simpsons and The Winner fielded questions (right) from attendees. How do they get away with some of the content? Negotiation "I'll give you 3 breast if you lose the anus." Fox should consider writing a show called The Censors... or perhaps HBO. Hmmm... there's an idea.

Music

Geezer Pleasers
This was a big year for reunions, resurfacing or as Bill Kirchen would say, “Geezer Pleasers.” The Stooges, Donavan, Pete Townsend, Hoodoo Gurus, Buzzcocks, The Saints, Shangri-la Mary Weiss and probably the most anticipated geezer pleaser was the Stax reunion.Stax is celebrating its 50th year in 2007 and the Concord Music Group (CMG) recently bought the Stax catalogue and got Booker T & the MGs together with Isaac Hayes, William Bell and Eddie (Knock on Wood) Floyd for a funky jam at Antone’s. Booker T, Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn were flawless with Cropper acting as cheerleader for the evening’s event. Bell was stunning and Floyd in fine voice. Hayes’s participation was limited as his health has not been good these days. The CMG plans to release a 2-CD compilation this year. I had the opportunity to speak with Duck Dunn, however it was a press free-for-all and the room was so loud with giddy journalists you can’t even hear Duck most of the time. I’ve transcribed the interview here as Duck shared some fond memories of his Stax years and one particular session with Otis Redding.

Continuing on with the geezer pleasers, Sam the Sham brought his Texas-sized charm to Red 7 later in the evening with a band that included a former rhythm section for the Sir Douglas Quintet and Charlie Pride Jr. He got the crowd to sing along to his hits Little Red Riding Hood, Ring Dang Doo and of course Wooly Bully. EVERY woman, and perhaps a few men, wanted to take this man home he was so charismatic.

One of the original Shangri-las, Mary Weiss played her first gig in about 20 years at Red 7, with the Reigning Sound as her backing band. Weiss had a thick notebook of song lyrics to mine during the performance and after only a couple of misteps, she caught her groove. Weiss treated the packed crowd to new songs and old favorites Walking in the Sand and sent us home with a Great Big Kiss. Mwah! The Reigning Sound just completed a recording with Weiss (Dangerous Game) which RS frontman, Greg Cartwright, produced. Norton Records released it this month.

Putting on one of the best rock performances of the week (and that’s talking) were the Hoodoo Gurus, first at the Dog and Duck pub to an adoring rock crowd including many musicians, then at The Blender Bar at the Ritz. Spied in the crowd were Dan Miller & Dave Feeny (Blanche) pictured below with Peter Buck (REM) in the background, Pat Todd (Lazy Cowgirls), Mike Gent (Figgs) and I’m sure many others packed in the audience… and none of them were on the bill.

On Saturday night, we dipped into to see an intimate set with Donavan. Apparently he was the secret ‘special guest’ at the Whiskey Bar at 7:30 pm. So secret in fact, we got a page from SXSW central at 7:45 pm to "catch his set NOW!" Luckily we were right across the street and thought the offer was too good to pass up (sorry Buzzcocks). We got Mellow Yellow, Season of the Witch and Hurdy Gurdy Man… Donavan and a bongo player… how cool is that? He was later joined by Bobby Whitlock (Derek & the Dominos) on guitar to send us off with Catch the Wind to begin our last big night at SXSW.

We ended Saturday night with Iggy Pop & The Stooges. The man is raw power indeed, strutting his stuff on stage, into the crowd and bringing the crowd on stage with him. What I want to know is how he keeps his, ah, well you know, his ‘package’ concealed when he’s ‘working?’ What’s going on here?

Working Musicians
These are the men and women who have been putting out consistently great music year in and year out. They don’t top the charts and often play to small crowds, but they deliver the goods. This year’s working musicians delivering the goods at SXSW included a killer set by Tim Easton. This guy is so freakin talented, he never disappoints. He played both acoustic and electric at the afternoon New*West party at Club DeVille. When playing electric, the boys from Two Cow Garage backed him up. Solid roots rock performance.

Former Lazy Cowgirl frontman, Pat Todd  performed a handful of shows throughout the week at many of the non-SXSW events. His band, the apt-titled Rank Outsiders delivered solid cow punk set at Room 710. Apparently playing music isn’t enough to keep Todd busy so he’s started his own label, Rank Outsider Records, and put own his own show featuring acts roots rockers The Salt Kings (Illinois) and heavy rock from Gravy Boat (Austin). He’s in talks with a handful of other bands and will make an announcement soon on his web site rankoutsiderrecords.com. We’ll keep you posted, he has some real treats in store.

Dexter Romweber is known mostly for his days with the fuzz rockers Flat Duo Jets. Lately he’s been playing solo or as a duo. His sister Sarah Romweber (Let's Active), joined him for his latest incarnation of the Dex Romweber Duo (pictured left). Sarah can pound the skins and keep the beat when Dex croons Berlin or rips through Jungle Drums. Romweber is working on a new release that continues his penchant for mixing fuzz, lounge, rock and surf as well as infusing some classical tones. No word on a label, but his appearance at the Norton Records showcase might provide a clue.

The Woggles continue to whip the crowd into a Rock –n- Roll frenzy. Since last year’s kick ass SXSW performance, the Atlanta-based quartet has been signed by Little Stephen’s Wicked Cool label and have been packing the house ever since. Leading the frenzy is the Professor, the tireless singer, who not only put on 3 shows in one day, but was spotted dancing to Sam the Sham & the Alarm Clocks before his 1 a.m. gig! Now that’s a rock and roll frenzy! He just don’t quit.

The Silos rocked Red Eyed Fly during the Bloodshot showcase. Singer Walter Salas-Humara debuted a handful of new songs from their new release Come On Like the Fast Lane and had yet another fave working musician, Jon Dee Graham, kicking out the hot guitar licks… playing loud and proud.

The Hacienda Brothers were a welcome respite on weary ears. The band really soars when Chris Gaffney goes into soul singer mode and David Gonzales bends guitar notes around his road worn rasp.

Robyn Hitchcock (right) delighted the afternoon crowd at the Yep Roc showcase. Hitchcock looked and sounded sharp in purple and chartreuse. Accompanied by Peter Buck, he sang tracks from his new release “Ole’ Tarantula” with aplomb and style. If there was a best dressed award for SXSW, he'd get it.

Boston in Austin

Boston was again well represented at SXSW. Boston area acts we caught included a scorching set by The Figgs at Jovita’s as part of Twangfest day party. Special guest Graham Parker dipped in for a couple songs including Soul Shoes and Local Girls. The packed crowd worked up an quick afternoon sweat. The Figgs also support GP on his latest release Don't Tell Coumbus (Bloodshot).

The Downbeat 5 (pictured left) did not disappoint the many Hoodoo Guru fans who crowded the Blendar Bar at the Ritz. Jen D’Angora’s wicked growl and JJ Rassler’s killer guitar attack conquered the Austin crowd. Sets like that make me proud to be from Boston. Earlier in the evening at the same club, Muck & the Mires delivered a solid set of Boston garage rock and even in a song in German! Danke.

On the folkier side, local folk royalty Chris Smither (right) mesmerized the audience at Mother Egan’s, playing cuts from his latest release Leave the Light On. Smither commented that Rolling Stone gave Origin of Species #44 song of the year, which Smither quipped ‘who knew they were listening… can’t image what I’d write if they had.” And new Boston chanteuse on the block, Eilen Jewel captivated with her honey warm vocals with killer twangy guitar rolls from Jerry Miller one of my favorite Boston guitarists. No one would have suspected this from Boston. Ok, Jewel is originally from Idaho, but she’s been here long enough for us to claim her… and we do.

Odds & Ends
We didn’t know the Mayor of WTF would be playing SXSW, but that’s what happened when we stumbled upon Danbert Nobacon (aka Nigel Hunter of Chumbawamba) at Jovita’s with Jon Langford and Pete Stiles (Meat Purveyors) (pictured left). A somewhat loose affair, Nobacon wearing a ratty jumpsuit, bulging with ah… some bacon, the set was a mix of spoken word or abstract poetry, not sure, but it was an interesting set fer sure. Langford has known Nobacon from their days in Leeds, UK and has just finished producing Nobacon’s upcoming release on Bloodshot The Library Book of the World with The Pine Valley Cosmonauts. I can only think these two mates got together to have a laugh and decided to record it to see if it would stick. I'd be interested to hear the results.

“You want 20 eyes? We’ll give you 20 Pies” says the Misfats’ website. I didn’t see 20 pies, but I bet 20 ding dongs made their way into the audience as an eating contest got out of hand. The Misfats (pictured right), you see, claim to be the world’s largest Misfits coverband. From Portland, OR (well that's what they claim), I think they may be right. After you get past the enormous amount of flesh and back fat, they actually could play really well and their lyrical reworkings were meaty, as were their commitment. Note the bacon tattoo on the singer's right arm.

Well those are this year's highlights. As the weeks go on, I'll be adding more photos from SXSW to the photo gallery as well as featuring music on Three Ring Circus there's enough music to get us to the summer. Check back for updates in the news section and tune in to the 3RC every Friday at 4 p.m. for upcoming musical events in Boston.