SXSW 2012 Bullets (3/16/12): Big Day of Free Shows Tomorrow!

Some days, the badgeless at SXSW are really not that much worse off than those who shelled out the big bucks. You might not be getting into any of the official showcases without a badge, but tomorrow there are just too many free gigs going on to worry about that.  The side parties database has over 130 free parties listed for Saturday.  Sure, some things will be packed, but the vast magnitude of options should spread the human density damage out somewhat.  Not sure what we'll be doing, but here are a few we've highlighted as possibilities (in addition to MWTX and others we've noted in earlier posts).  Some require RSVPs, so you'd be wise check the details of you're interested.

• Things start up early.  If you're brave, head to the  MOG at the Mohwak (9th & Red River), where we're betting the crowds will get thick to see the likes of legendary axe-shredder Bob Mould, Blitzen Trapper, The Roots, War on Drugs, Cloud Nothings, and Gary Clark Jr.  Things start up at noon.  No RSVP required.
• Right nearby at Club DeVille (900 Red River), things are also starting early.  Go catch Cymbals Eat Guitars, We Were Promised Jetpacks, The War On Drugs, White Rabbits and others from noon on at The AV Club's party.  No RSVP required.
• On the other side of downtown, La Zona Rosa picks up at noon too with Rolling Stone's Rock Room party featuring Tom Morello (The Nightwatchman), Gary Clark Jr. and others at La Zona Rosa – starts at noon so they probably go on late afternoon.  No RSVP required.
• This morning, the deejay on KVRX played a song by Peter Wolf Crier that we found pretty catchy.  They'll be playing at Domy Books (913 E Cesar Chavez) (2:30 PM) for the party headlined by The Black Swans (6:15 PM).  "It's that time a year again friends, pseudo-folk stylings in Domy's backyard to help us wind down a heavy week. Come on down to the grass, hang as you will, and enjoy some assuaging acoustics from this land, across the pond and beyond. Refreshments provided while they last and good vibes in abundance."  No RSVP required.  
• We've been surprised how much we enjoy the first solo CD by Eleanor Friedberger, so we're hoping to go catch her set from 2-2:45 PM at the Urban Outfitters near UT (I think in the lot behind).  Hot new electronic artist Grimes comes on at 6.  No RSVP required.

But wait!  There's so much more!

• Day 4 of Brooklyn Vegan's Hotel Vegan party has a ton of good acts, including Heartless Bastards and Diamond Rugs (John McCauley of Deer Tick w/ members of Los Lobos, Black Lips & more) back-to-back from 4-6 PM, plus boatloads of hip-hop indoors.  Party's at 1500 E 6th.  RSVP here via Do512.  Wanna read more SXSW stuff from the venerable rock rag? Here's a lsit of Rolling Stone's 25 acts to see at SXSW.
• Missed Built to Spill at any of their many gigs around town this week?  They're at Filter's SXSW Showdown at Cedar Street (208 W 4th St.) at  5:00 PM.  RSVP is required for that one.  They're also at an afternoon gig at 1300 South Congress – South by San Jose  – along with Austinite Ben Kweller and others.  No RSVP needed for that one.
• One more big one!  Wavves, Diplo and tons of others play at Emo’s East and the Beauty Bar.  RSVP via Do512.
• Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and members of Old Crow Medicine Show are playing some music after a showing of "Big Easy Express" on the LBJ Library lawn (near UT) at 6:30.  RSVP is necessary and might be full.  Or sweet-talk your way in.
• Can't deal with that?  You could always head down to Auditorium Shores for the annual free shows that SXSW officially puts on.  We saw M. Ward and The Shins there last night in fact.  Tomorrow finishes up with Austin's fun retro-rockers The Bright Light Social Hour  (7 PM) and UK post-punk icons The Cult (8 PM).  No RSVP needed.
• If you want to keep going, head to 8th and Trinity for the Red Bull Thre3style party, always a big smash.  A bunch of DJ greats are in town, including Dan the Automater, Jazzy Jeff and Z-Trip, plus Erykah Badu and others, starting at 8 PM.  No RSVP here either.
• Not your thing?  Try Alejandro Escovedo at 9:00 PM at Maria’s Taco Xpress (So. Lamar).  I doubt Bruce will show up.  He's probably not even in town.  But it is billed as “Alejandro Escovedo’s Annual Taco Party,” and Al seems to be the Boss Man's newest and bestest buddy.  So who knows?  RSVP at Do512.

Bruce, Joe Ely and Alejandro Escovedo making some memories at the 2012 Austin Music Awards (credit: DownThunderRoad)