So, I made it to Saturday. Not only did I survive SXSW (Interactive, Music and a bit of Film), I went to SXSWEDU and before that the NICAR Conference in Atlanta. I spoke at both Interactive and EDU. And I accompanied students working on multimedia projects at TXSTNICAR.com and SXTXState.com. So, yes, I’m tired. But I’m really exhilarated. It was an amazing month for me, and I am very excited about all I saw and heard, from new music, to old favorites to big ideas. I live for this stuff.
Saturday was a bit low-key. A panel at 2pm, then a hike over to Whole Foods to see Zeale, who is actually a former student. I am so proud to see him on stage, a talented and charismatic performer. Then I hit Austin Music Hall for The Mowgli’s at the Perez Hilton One Night in Austin party. They were great, so full of energy and optimism.
But that was it. I put a fork in myself, because I was done. What an amazing, exciting, inspiring time I had. I need SXSW every year to re-energize me for the next 11 months. Say what you will about the crowds and commercialization, but for me, there’s nothing better. Where else could I hear from media innovators from Buzzfeed and Thrillist, pioneers like Steve Case and more recent change-makers like Biz Stone and inspiring people like Princess Reema? Where else can I speak on a panel with some of the most forward-thinking folks I know, then pop in to an inspiring keynote in Film by Mark Duplass, see some of my favorite all-time artists, catch an excellent doc, watch good friends perform and look on with pride as my students consume it all, too?
I’m lucky to have discovered SXSW so many moons ago and very lucky to live in this crazy, weird and creative city of Austin.
