SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL FIRST ROUND OF SHOWCASING ARTISTS ANNOUNCED
Spotlighting Emerging Talents and Legendary Artists
Austin, Texas - October 19, 2022 - The South by Southwest® Music Festival (SXSW®) has announced the first round of Showcasing Artists invited to perform at the 37th annual event. The festival features multiple one-of-a-kind events that spotlight emerging talents and legendary artists performing for the international creative community and passionate music fans. The first essential and global music event on the industry’s calendar, the SXSW Music Festival takes place March 13 - 18, 2023 on Austin’s iconic and offbeat stages.
CIFIKA at Central Presbyterian Church Photo by Adam Kissick
Each year, SXSW Music Festival programmers present the best new artists and established acts from countries around the world including Armenia, Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Wales. Highlights from this first round of artists include: Armani White (Philadelphia PA), Algiers (Atlanta, GA), Balming Tiger (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Beenzino (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Edie Bens (Swansea UK-WALES), iLe (San Juan PUERTO RICO), Ladaniva (Lille FRANCE), Max Cooper (London UK-ENGLAND), Mightmare (Chapel Hill NC), Núria Graham (Vic SPAIN), The Orielles(Manchester UK-ENGLAND), Otoboke Beaver (Kyoto JAPAN), RVG (Melbourne AUSTRALIA), Sarah Shook & the Disarmers (Chapel Hill NC), Son Rompe Pera (Naucalpan MEXICO), Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND), Thao (Oakland CA), Yazmin Lacey (London UK-ENGLAND) and Yogetsu Akasaka (Setagaya-Ku JAPAN).
Poppy Ajudha at Cedar Street Courtyard Photo by Caleb Pickens
This is the first of several announcements of can't-miss showcases spanning six nights. Showcases are curated by SXSW programmers in collaboration with record labels, booking agencies, export offices, management and PR firms, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands and festivals. These showcases give attendees the opportunity to experience today’s and tomorrow’s headliners in small-stage performances. A few of this year’s showcase presenters include Anniversary Group, Atomic Music Group, Athens in Austin, British Music Embassy, Don Giovanni Records, Fire Records, FOCUS Wales, Gorilla vs Bear, Jazz re:freshed Outernational, Pop Montreal, M for Montreal, Music From Ireland, New West Records, Space Agency, and Wide Days Scotland.
The first round of artists invited to perform include:
250 (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Ailbhe Reddy (Dublin IRELAND)
Albertine Sarges (Berlin GERMANY)
Algiers (Atlanta GA)
Alien Tango (London UK-ENGLAND)
Amber Arcades (Utrecht NETHERLANDS)
Anna Salman (Lahore PAKISTAN)
Ariel & The Culture (Dallas TX)
Armani White (Philadelphia PA)
ASHY (Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
Automelodi (Montreal CANADA)
Avalanche Party (Middlesbrough UK-ENGLAND)
Baby; Baby: Explores the Reasons Why That Gum is Still on the Sidewalk (Providence RI)
Balimaya Project (London UK-ENGLAND)
Balming Tiger (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Beatenberg (Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA)
Been Stellar (Brooklyn NY)
Beenzino (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Being Dead (Austin TX)
Beverly Kills (Gothenburg SWEDEN)
Bibi Club (Montreal CANADA)
Big Bill (Austin TX)
BIRTHH (Florence ITALY)
bj wnjn (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Blondshell (Los Angeles CA)
Bloomsday (Brooklyn NY)
Bones and Jones (Geelong AUSTRALIA)
Brighde Chaimbeul (Isle Of Skye UK-SCOTLAND)
Cafuné (Brooklyn NY)
Cailin Russo (San Diego CA)
Campfire Social (Wrexham UK-WALES)
The Chairs (Taiwan TAIWAN)
Chief Cleopatra (Austin TX)
Chiiild (Montreal CANADA)
Choses Sauvages (Montreal CANADA)
CHROMA (Pontypridd UK-WALES)
Coach Party (Newport UK-ENGLAND)
Colin Gilmore (Austin TX)
Constant Follower (Stirling UK-SCOTLAND)
Crawlers (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Criibaby (San Francisco CA)
Darling West (Oslo NORWAY)
Data Animal (Berlin GERMANY)
Dead Gowns (Portland ME)
Dead Pony (Glasgow UK-SCOTLAND)
Death And Vanilla (Malmö SWEDEN)
Demob Happy (Newcastle Upon Tyne UK-ENGLAND)
Die Spitz (Austin TX)
Disq (Madison WI)
DoomCannon (London UK-ENGLAND)
Dream, Ivory (Lake Elsinore CA)
DYGL (Tokyo JAPAN)
Edie Bens (Swansea UK-WALES)
ena mori (Parañque PHILIPPINES)
Exit Kid (London UK-ENGLAND)
Far Caspian (Enniskillen IRELAND)
Fat Tony (Houston TX)
Flowerkid (Sydney AUSTRALIA)
foamboy (Portland OR)
Folly Group (London UK-ENGLAND)
Foyer Red (Brooklyn NY)
Fragile Rock (Austin TX)
fuvk (Austin TX)
Germein (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
Ghouljaboy (Jerez SPAIN)
GHUM (London UK-ENGLAND)
Ginevra Nervi (Rome ITALY)
Gloria de Oliveira (Berlin GERMANY)
Godcaster (New York NY)
The Golden Dregs (London UK-ENGLAND)
Grace Pettis (Nashville TN)
Great Gable (Perth AUSTRALIA)
HARU NEMURI (Yokohama JAPAN)
Hayley Warner (Sydney AUSTRALIA)
Helen Ganya (Brighton UK-ENGLAND)
Her Skin (Modena ITALY)
Hope (Berlin GERMANY)
Housewife (Toronto CANADA)
Iguana Death Cult (Rotterdam NETHERLANDS)
iLe (San Juan PUERTO RICO)
Immaterial Possession (Athens GA)
Izzy Heltai (Boston MA)
Jad Fair and The Placebos (Austin TX)
Jaguar Jonze (Brisbane AUSTRALIA)
James and the Cold Gun (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Jane Weaver (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Jazz re:freshed DJ's (London UK-ENGLAND)
Jealous (Berlin GERMANY)
Jeannel (Berlin GERMANY)
Jembaa Groove (Berlin GERMANY)
JessB (Auckland NEW ZEALAND)
JESSWAR (Gold Coast AUSTRALIA)
JEVERSON (Nashville TN)
Jobber (Brooklyn NY)
Julie Doiron (Memramcook CANADA)
Julie Odell (New Orleans LA)
Kalush Orchestra (Kyiv UKRAINE)
Kidd Kenn (Chicago IL)
Kiwi Jr. (Toronto CANADA)
Knifeplay (Philadelphia PA)
Krooked Kings (Salt Lake City UT)
Kym Register (Loamlands)
(Durham NC)
Ladaniva (Lille FRANCE)
layzi (Boston MA)
Le Couleur (Montreal CANADA)
Lee Bains + The Glory Fires (Birmingham AL)
Leesuho (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Lemonade Shoelace (Newcastle UK-N. IRELAND)
Letting Up Despite Great Faults (Austin TX)
Living Hour (Winnipeg CANADA)
Lola Brooke (Brooklyn NY)
The Lounge Society (Hebden Bridge UK-ENGLAND)
MANE (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
Marina Allen (Los Angeles CA)
Max Cooper (London UK-ENGLAND)
Medium Build (Anchorage AK)
Meltt (Vancouver CANADA)
M(h)
aol (Dublin IRELAND)
Mightmare (Chapel Hill NC)
milk. (Dublin IRELAND)
modernlove (Drogheda IRELAND)
Moritz Fasbender (Leipzig GERMANY)
MOSES (London UK-ENGLAND)
Mudd the student (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
mui zyu (London UK-ENGLAND)
Mynolia (Berlin GERMANY)
Nadeem Din-Gabisi (London UK-ENGLAND)
NEMOPHILA (Tokyo JAPAN)
N'famady Kouyaté (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Nisa (Brooklyn NY)
NTsKi (Kyoto JAPAN)
Núria Graham (Vic SPAIN)
Omega Sapien (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Orchestra Gold (Oakland CA)
The Orielles (Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Orions Belte (Oslo NORWAY)
Otoboke Beaver (Kyoto JAPAN)
Paisley Fields (Brooklyn NY)
Panic Shack (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Pearla (Brooklyn NY)
Pickle Darling (Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (Newcastle Upon Tyne UK-ENGLAND)
Plàsi (Stockholm SWEDEN)
Plattenbau (Berlin GERMANY)
poolblood (Toronto CANADA)
Poster Paints (Glasgow UK-SCOTLAND)
Quarters of Change (New York NY)
Red Rum Club (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Rett Madison (Los Angeles CA)
Ric Wilson (Chicago IL)
Robocobra Quartet (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Ron Gallo (Philadelphia PA)
Rosie Darling (Boston MA)
RVG (Melbourne AUSTRALIA)
Saloon Dion (Bristol UK-ENGLAND)
San Saba County (Austin TX)
Sarah Shook & the Disarmers (Chapel Hill NC)
Scorey (Syracuse NY)
Sea Lemon (Seattle WA)
Sego (Los Angeles CA)
Shadow Show (Detroit MI)
Sid Simons (Brooklyn NY)
Silverbacks (Dublin IRELAND)
Smut (Chicago IL)
Snøw (Salem MA)
Somebody's Child (Dublin IRELAND)
Son Rompe Pera (Naucalpan MEXICO)
Sophia Galaté (Los Angeles CA)
SPARKLING (Cologne GERMANY)
spill tab (Los Angeles CA)
Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND)
Sug Daniels (Philadelphia PA)
Sweet Pill (Philadelphia PA)
Tamzene (Cromarty UK-ENGLAND)
TC Superstar (Austin TX)
Teenage Halloween (Asbury Park NJ)
Thanya Iyer (Montreal CANADA)
Thao (Oakland CA)
TmbaTa Orchestra (Yerevan ARMENIA)
Tomato Flower (Baltimore MD)
The Trials of Cato (Wrexham UK-WALES)
Tribe Mafia (Austin TX)
The Vices (Groningen NETHERLANDS)
Vox Rea (Vancouver CANADA)
The Wandering Hearts (London UK-ENGLAND)
Warm Human (Chicago IL)
Why Bonnie (Austin TX)
Wynona Bleach (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Yazmin Lacey (London UK-ENGLAND)
Yogetsu Akasaka (Setagaya-Ku JAPAN)
Your Grandparents (Los Angeles CA)
(This list is subject to change. More performers will be announced at later dates.)
Listen to the artists who will be performing at SXSW 2023 by subscribing to the official SXSW Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music Video playlists.
All SXSW Music registrants receive primary access to Music and Convergence Conference programming, including Keynotes and Featured Speakers, Music Festival showcases, the Comedy Festival, exhibitions, networking Meet Ups, the Flatstock Poster Show, Registrant Lounge, and the BBQ & softball tournament. Secondary access is available for most Interactive and Film events.
The online SXSW Schedule, launching October 25, provides a complete rundown of 2023 programming, broken down by time and event category, with the ability to build a customized schedule. Please visit https://schedule.sxsw.com/.
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2023 will take place March 10 - 19, 2023 in Austin. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.
SXSW 2023 is sponsored by White Claw, Porsche, Itau Unibanco, and The Austin Chronicle.
FLOAT FEST - MUSIC, TUBING & CAMPING FESTIVAL - STARTS THIS WEEKEND WITH NEW ACTIVATIONS AND A SHOW STOPPING LINEUP
Coca-Cola presents Float Fest - the only festival in the world to combine the Texas tradition of floating the river and live music - including new activations, vendors and more for the 2022 festival happening this weekend. The festival will be held on a 765-acre private ranch in Gonzales, TX, conveniently located just over an hour from both Austin and San Antonio, two hours from Houston and situated right off of major highway US 183. Sponsors include Coca-Cola, Minute Maid Aguas Frescas, Topgolf, Monster Energy, Deep Eddy Vodka, Karbach, Bud Light and more. Float Fest also has special amenities for festival-goers hitting the river and staying at the campsites.
Cage the Elephant
The 2022 headliners for Float Fest include Marshmello, Vampire Weekend, Cage the Elephant, Deadmau5, Chance the Rapper, Lord Huron, Chvrches, Kaytranada, Quinn XCII, 100 Gecs and Pusha T. Other artists on the lineup include Tove Lo, Hippie Sabotage, Two Feet, Sueco, Aly & AJ, Nane, Daisy the Great, CVBZ, Sam Austins, Sir Woman, Me Nd Adam, Madeline the Person, Doublecamp, Little Image, Games We Play, and Blossom Aloe. With 27 artists on two identical stages, there will be no overlapping performance times allowing attendees to watch every set, unlike many other music festivals.
Chance the Rapper
Schedule of Headliner Performances:
Saturday, July 23, 2022
8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Kaytranada
9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Chance the Rapper
10:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. - Vampire Weekend
11:45 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. - Deadmau5
Sunday, July 24, 2022
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - CHVRCHES
8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Lord Huron
9:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. - Cage the Elephant
10:45 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - Marshmello
WHEN:
Saturday, July 23 - Sunday, July 24, 2022
2:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
*Festival goers can begin arriving as soon as 12 p.m. on Friday, July 22.
WHERE:
1 County Road 197
Gonzales, TX 78629
MORE:
Daily shuttles will be offered from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and San Marcus to and from the ranch and are available for purchase on the Float Fest website. The location is adjacent to the city center of Gonzales, providing access to grocery stores, retailers, hotels, restaurants, and more. For more information on Float Fest, please visit the pages below.
WEBSITE: www.floatfest.net
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/floatfestival
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/floatfest
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/floatfest
Event Hashtag: #ThisIsFloatFest
Unleashed LGBTQ to Cover QUEER Experience at SXSW 2022
SXSW 2019
Live events are back and I have to say, few events have me pumped like the return of SXSW.
Every year industry professionals from around the globe meet in Austin Texas to learn about the latest in a variety of industries. While focus for this groundbreaking event was initially centered around music and film, we have seen SXSW expand, every year, into more and more fields and industries— covering topics that include everything from finance to transportation and even oil and gas. If it’s new and innovative, South by is where you’ll find it. This 9-day conference and festival offers insight on the latest in film, music, tech and more through screenings, panels and showcases. There’s endless branded activations and art installations. It’s experiential marketing at its finest.
However, that hasn’t been the case, at least for the last two years.
Actresses Abbi Jacobson (L) and Ilana Glazer attend the premiere of the "Broad City" series finale at ZACH Theatre on March 10, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)
The only shutdown I like is after I read a bitch— but with the rollout of vaccines, new guidelines, and recent drops in Covid-19 cases, group gatherings of this scale are once again possible. People are doing their part and it shows. To that I say, Yasssssss!!!
This light at the end of the tunnel is making it possible for one of the largest and most prestigious gatherings of talent and industry professionals to reconnect once again. (Missed y'all!)
Film subject Kathy Griffin attends the premiere for "Kathy Griffin: A Hell of A Story" during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at ZACH Theatre on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)
When attending SXSW, it's not uncommon to rub shoulders with movers and shakers, even high-profile celebs… But what or who’s gonna be the next big thing is what I find most fascinating. Ambition and opportunity sets the scene.
You can be drinking a beer with the next tech millionaire or attending the show of the next rock band who will one day grace covers of magazines. We all love a good success story. Seems anything’s possible and I’m here for it!
So what’s to be said about LGBTQ inclusion at SXSW?
Lizzo performs onstage during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals. (Photo by Stephen Olker)
In the past we have seen queer artists, performers, speakers, and panelists offer insight into our unique culture. as well as LGBTQ icons and allies showing support with important, thought provoking messages through powerful performances, screenings, keynotes and panels.
Film critic and contributing writer Arnold Jones called SXSW “An intoxicating crossroads of bohemianism and commerce, SXSW embraced alternative and queer in its many definitions– quirky, cool, campy.”
Stacey Abrams speaks onstage at Featured Session: Lead from the Outside: How to Make Real Change during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Hilton Austin on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Danny Matson/Getty Images for SXSW)
Since its inception, SXSW, has been a pioneer of inclusion, reaching across cultural divides. These opportunities have provided platforms for under-represented individuals (like LGBTQ and POC) to connect with decision makers that can elevate careers to new heights.
Walt Disco showcase presented by British Music Embassy. Photo by Thomas Jackson
Some of these dynamic queer persons of interest photographed from SXSW 2019 can be seen below. (Zachary Quinto, Lance Bass, and Beanie Feldstein)
Ashleigh Cummings (L) and Zachary Quinto attend "NOS4A2" Premiere during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Alamo Lamar D on March 11, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)Bud
Lance Bass speaks onstage at Featured Session: Lance Bass during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 13, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Travis P Ball/Getty Images for SXSW)
Kaitlyn Dever, Olivia Wilde, Beanie Feldstein attends the "Booksmart" Premiere - 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Paramount Theatre on March 10, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)
While not all events are currently listed for SXSW 2022 (schedule will continue to be updated leading up to event), here’s some LGBTQ events to include in your SXSW GO App’s calendar:
LGBTQ+ Sex Education for Brands 11:30 AM-12:30 AM | March 16
Speakers: Arielle Egozi, Kayla Gore, Graham Nolan, Alicia Sinclair
A Clarion Call for More LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 13
Speakers: Katie Barnes, Chris Mosier, Amit Paley, Adam Rippon
LGBTQ+ Rights & Politics 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM | March 12
Speakers: Rebecca Marques, Ricardo Martinez, Emmett Schelling, Jessica Shortall
Social Media Platform Accountability: LGBTQ+ Edition 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM | March 12
Speakers: Jenni Olson, Brennan Suen, Alok Vai-Menon
Marginalized Voices in Film & TV Journalism 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 13
Speaker: Dino-Ray Ramos
Tech-Driven Trends in Adult Entertainment 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 13
Speaker: Buck Angel, Shirley Lara, Sinnamon Love, Courtney Trouble
No Label, No Problem: Indie Artist Steps to Success 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Speakers: Andreea Gleeson, Vickie Nauman, Lie Ning, Hessel von Oorschot
Speak for Yourself 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM | March 14
Speakers: Gina Chua, Cheryl Phillips, Aron Pilhofer
The Black Agenda 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 14
Speaker: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
How Do I Un-Remember This? 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | March 14
Speaker: Danny Pellegrino
Inclusion Revolution: How Hybrid Work Boosts DEI 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM March 15
Speakers: Antoine Andrews, Aman Bhutani, Sam Bright, Sheela Subramanian
Meet the Women of Evolving the Gaming Industry 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | March 15
Speakers: Jill Kenney, Shannon Liao, Makeda Loney, Alanah Pearce
Helping Queer Youth Find Joy 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | March 15
Speaker: Brian Wenke
Unleashed LGBTQ will keep you updated on what’s to come as well as what’s happening at the events through the lens of these dramatic rainbow shades. Follow us on social media for live coverage of events. We are proud and honored to cover all things fabulous at this year’s SXSW. Thank you to the organizers for including us. Muah!
For more information on attending, line-up, and marketing opportunities visit: www.sxsw.com
Attending SXSW?… do download the SXSW GO App and link your badge for optimal experience. Trust. No, seriously. Trust. Also, if you’re not vegan, try the brisket!
Elizabeth Warren speaks onstage at Conversations About America's Future: Senator Elizabeth Warren during the 2019 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on March 8, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images for SXSW)
ACL FEST 2021- BEING HEARD AT MUSIC FESTIVALS
By Wesley Smoot
Photo Credit: Roger Ho
When you think of music festivals, you might think: headliners, huge crowds, fun costumes, overpriced drinks, perhaps creating unforgettable memories with your closest friends… This is often the case for most of us. So, while organizers work tirelessly to make their events stand out, what else could be missing?
HBO Max’s 2021 documentary showed us the tragic events of Woodstock ‘99 in a chilling story (Woodstock 1999: Peace, Love, & Rage) that ended in arrests, bloodshed, and eventually a bunch of angry white men setting the whole damn thing on fire. With multiple cases of sexual assault and even preventable deaths, this was the perfect example of toxic masculinity at its finest.
Was it the perfect recipe for the events that took place? Could it have been avoided? Again, what was missing?
An obvious solution, Diversity.
Music festivals, including ACL have been booking talent with large LGBTQ fanbases for some time. In previous years, ACL has brought us LGBTQ icons like Robyn, Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, The Cure, and more. While I personally love these performers, I’m eager to see more talent that actually identifies as LGBTQ.
Could ACL do a better job of booking more diverse, or specifically more queer artists to their line-up? I’m happy to say, they have and they did… an absolutely, fabulous job!
Photo Credit: ©Charles Reagan
Austin City Limits 2021 was a milestone of inclusivity, From having their first ever drag performer, Trixie Mattel on the Tito’s Vodka Stage, to hosting Spanish speaking acts like Gina Chavez and Karol G. Representation seemed an obvious goal for this year’s organizers.. and bravo to you! Please don’t think this goes unnoticed.
Trixxie Mattel ACL Fest 2021 Weeked 2- Photo Credit: Alison Narro
Norway native, singer/songwriter, and proud lesbian, Girl in Red brought a considerable audience to her stage. (Look her up!) As a fan, I was a pleasantly surprised to see the crowd her performance attracted. Lead singer, Marie Ulven Ringheim told audience how she almost cancelled her ACL performance due to Texas’ Governor Greg Abbott’s horrific abortion law that passed earlier this year. She stated, “It wouldn’t be fair to skip this opportunity, I know many of you don’t agree with what’s happening… by performing here, I want to show support to those who don’t follow the Governor’s outdated views on something that most of the civilized world has moved past.”
Girl in Red ACL Fest 2021 Weeked 2- Photo Credit: Alison Narro
It’s worth mentioning country music star, LeAnn Rimes opened her song, Love is Love is Love by talking about her early, personal experience with LGBTQ acceptance. Non-binary, North Carolina based, Future Islands gave an unforgettable performance that will leave me a diehard fan. Erika Badu… well, she’s Erika Badu. Who always delivers gold. But what about the attendees?
A considerable number of rainbow flags and queer statements proudly worn by LGBTQ attendees, including myself and our very sexy group, was peppered throughout the vast audience. We experienced moments where straight-allies asked for photos with us and our rainbow flag. This meant a lot, or least to me. Hearing words of love and encouragement never goes unappreciated. We see you allies!
Future Islands ACL 2021 Weekend 2- Photo Credit: Charles Reagan
To wrap it up in a real cute bow… I can honestly say, what I witnessed is real progression. While I’d love to see acts like Toddrick Hall, Kameron Ross, and even Ricky Martin take stage, I can’t help but wonder what’s in store for next year and if other music festivals will follow suit.
I say, keep marketing to us, with us. Keep it diverse & inclusive and we’ll keep coming back. As someone who lived in Austin, Keep Austin Weird is something the LGBTQ community has always contributed to. Thank you for seeing us, and you can count on seeing me next year.
-Wesley Smoot
Unleashed LGBTQ
Photo Credit: Alison Narro