AUSTIN, TX. (www.conexionrockera.org) - From alumni to newcomer, the consensus was clear. SXSW continued its tradition of showcasing Latina/o talent whose music ranges from Metal to Cumbia; Experimental to Power Pop; English language Rock to Spanish Boleros.
The 20th Annual SXSW Film, Interactive, and Music Conference, held March 10-19, 2006, showcased over 1300 music acts, in 58 venues, hosting nearly 10,000 music participants. Presented by Conexion Rockera (conexionrockera.org) and Art Attack Promotions (www.artattackprods.com) and sponsored by Pistolero Records, Wilaen Wireless Latin Entertainment, and Inka Clothes, SXSW featured three Latin Rock showcases, over two evenings, at Opal Divine's Freehouse and Spiro's.
Wednesday's artists ranged from a reunion of Mexico's answer to Led Zeppelin to rising talent performing in Austin for the fi rst time. Wednesday showcase, featuring Genitallica (Monterrey, Mexico), Botellita de Jerez (Mexico City, Mexico), Maneja Beto (Austin, Texas), Zayra Alvarez (Dallas, Texas), Delux (Tijuana, Mexico), and Tolidos (Ciudad Juarez, Mexico) received national attention as Maneja Beto was one of fi ve acts featured in John Pareles' New York Times writeup for that evening's group of writeup for that evening's group of SXSW performances.
Saturday's showcases were not without their share of the spotlight as Spiro's hosted two showcases occurring simultaneously. Spiros' inside stage showcased talent ranging from Ska to Metal while the outdoor stage featured music both experimental and traditional. La Pestilencia (Hollywood, California), Bletzung (Austin, Texas), Skunk DF (Madrid, Spain), Gecko Turner & The Afrobeatnik Orchestra (Spain), Turbo (Ciudad Juarez, Mexico), and Palo Viejo (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) rocked the inside stage from beginning to end. Causing a sea of shaking hips were Los Nativos (St. Paul, Minnesota), Grupo Fantasma (Austin, Texas), deSol (Asbury Park, New Jersey), Cuban Cowboys (Brooklyn, New York), Tio Manuel (Paris, France) and Haydn Vitera (Austin, Texas) at Spiro's outdoor patio.
'It was a tremendous success for both the artists and organizers.' stated Conexion Rockera founder Alicia Zertuche. 'There were a lot of people behind the scenes that contributed to the showcases success and made all the bands feel so incredibly welcomed and loved. We heard over and over again, band after band, what an amazing time these out-of-town, out-of-state, and out-of-country acts were having at SXSW and it made all the months of hard work worth it. That some of these acts had never even heard of SXSW and are already planning on applying again next year, makes us confi dent the Latin Rock showcases will only get better and better, as well as increase in number, in the coming years. SXSW has a tremendous history both behind it and in its future."
For more information regarding the 2006 SXSW Latin Rock showcases, please contact Alba Peña ([email protected]), Alicia Zertuche ([email protected]), or Gigi Greco ([email protected]).
