Band Hell

This paragraph by Zack Smith, drummer for local band Rotary Downs, captures perfectly the hell of being a local band. I don't know what the show was, but I gather it was a Rotary Downs gig:

I made $5 last night. I got to the Pearl ready for rehearsing a few tunes for the gig at the Saturn, but there was no rehearsal to be had, and we wouldn't be gigging for another 6 hours. By 2:30 we were on stage, i was tired as fuck, playing to 5 people who were still there. But, the crowd still did outnumber the band, even though they were at the bar..so we played. Loud blues, loud funk, space rock. im pretty sure J was singing, and some keys were played, but all i had was bass in my right ear and snare in my left - yeah. Reeger even made it to see the last few tunes, sorry you had to hear that. At 3:15 we ended, collected $5 for the gig (there were 6 bands) - to have some $ for food on Sunday (im broke, again) and went home.

Louisiana at SXSW Today

Today there's a day party at the Historic Victory Grill hosted by NOLASoul starting at 11 a.m. with the Prince-meets-space rock-meets-indie rock of the White Bitch. Also in the day, power pop with MyNameIsJonMichael (who just finished a year of recording a song a week) and Rotary Downs (they play at 5:45). Rotary Downs (who are finally outgrowing Pavement comparisons that have hung around too long) also play at 3:30 at Habana Calle on 6th Street.

In official showcases, the street band from days of yore Hurray for the Riff Raff play the Central Presbyterian Church at 10. At the same time, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet makes its SXSW debut 30+ years into their career at 10 tonight at the Continental Club, followed at 11 by the Iguanas.

Because He Asked Nicely ...

Rotary Downs was confirmed for SXSW too late to make OffBeat's March issue rundown of who-plays-where. Drummer Zack Smith recently sent over the details, which include two day parties for the indie rock band. Here's the rundown:

Wednesday, March 18th
PASTE SXSW Showcase
Ace's Lounge - 222 E. 6th St., Austin, TX
Rotary Downs @ 9pm (21+)
wristband access


Thursday, March 19th -

Electronic Musician/reapandsow music SXSW Day party
Calle Habana 6 - 709 E. 6th St., Austin, TX
Rotary Downs @ 3pm - INSIDE STAGE

AND

NOLA Soul Presents
Historic Victory Grill - 1104 E. 11th St, Austin, TX
Rotary Downs @ 5:45

See them at least once.