Visit your city - South by Southwest, Austin, TX

The Hula Hut welcomes you, Austin, TX

Every year in March nearly a half million people descend on Austin for the festival known as South by Southwest. It's been going on for thirty years or so and has grown from a small festival with a few bands to a monstrosity with thousands of bands plus a film and "interactive" festival. Add to that the thousands of other events scheduled around town that are not part of the "official" program and you might understand why locals tend to complain about and avoid South by Southwest.

Kevin Russel, Shinyribs, Hula Hut, Austin, TX

For example, our favorite Austin band, Shinyribs, was playing an unaffiliated Southby show (meaning you didn't need a wristband to attend, but there was a fee at the door) at the Hula Hut on Lake Austin. Now, the Hula Hut isn't downtown, so you're fairly far away from the craziness of the festival. Still, it took us over thirty minutes to find a parking spot and then the meter to pay for the parking didn't work. Frustrating, but at least we weren't downtown where it would be a nightmare if you had a car.

Hula Hut, Austin, TX in full party mode

Because of the parking situation, we missed a good portion of Shinyribs set, but we did manage to squeeze into the venue for the last few songs. Let me apologize for the quality of the pictures of the band, we were smashed in there and there wasn't much room to move around to get a better shot. But, we were happy that they played our fave song "Lake Charles" before finishing their set.

Hula Hut, Austin, TX

We got a couple cocktails at the Hula Hut before catching some of Kelly Willis' set. She is a fantastic singer and songwriter and has a new album coming out. She said she's going on tour this summer, so go see her if you get a chance, she's the real deal.

Marina at Hula Hut, Austin, TX

In the end, we fought for a parking spot, missed some of the band we came to see, got squished in a sweaty venue and saw some great music from Austin's finest performers. All in all, a very Austin day.

Kelly Willis, Hula Hut, Austin, TX

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