SXSW Journal: March 18

Not really a good day. I think there was a huge influx of people in time for the night shows, this being Friday, and at the same time it was, as Charlie termed it, industry consensus night. There were about four big shows, and the lines for those snaked down the sidewalks, around corners, and into the blocked-off street. Other venues stood almost empty, the doormen begging for patrons. I spent a good portion of the night waiting in line, deciding it wasn't any used, moving to another show, seeing a disappointing band, rinse, repeat.

Biggest disappointment of the night: Sunshine didn't play. They used what's become the hottest new all-purpose excuse, one I too will begin using: visa problems. Apparently, they can't get out of the Czech Republic. This same problem was had, more predictably, by what is probably the one and only Iranian rock band, 127. I would have loved to see them, but for some reason, they're stuck in Dubai, and there's nobody home at the embassy, and their visas are locked safely inside. Good to know our borders are secure from the brutal assaults of their guitars.