Marshall announces “Marshall Funhouse,” a Three-Day SXSW Activation for Musicians and Music Lovers Alike
Marshall announces “Marshall Funhouse,” a Three-Day SXSW Activation for Musicians and Music Lovers Alike
AUSTIN, Texas (February 13, 2024) - Marshall is gearing up for its second year at SXSW, this time showing up bigger and better and as an official SXSW 2024 partner. The experience will bring an exciting artist lineup, one-of-a-kind carnival themed experiences, games and more, inviting musicians and music lovers to participate in this three-day celebration of culture and community. The event will take place between March 13-15 at Parish, and will be joined by local Austin community partners and vendors.
Marshall, globally renowned for its iconic sound and pioneering role in music, is announcing today its first official SXSW activation and biggest event yet as a unified group – Marshall Funhouse. The theme is inspired by carnivals, British funfairs, and theme parks, and will come together through partnerships with local community organizations and friends of the brand.
With this exciting announcement for music fans and SXSW attendees alike, Marshall is sharing a first glimpse into the stacked three-day event lineup for Marshall Funhouse, including a mix of local, regional and international talent – some from the company’s very own record label, Marshall Records. The initial lineup includes Detroit hardcore punk band The Armed, Austin locals Black Angels, UK-based post punk act Dry Cleaning, indie garage punk band Shannon and the Clams, punk and folk musicians Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, as well as Marshall Records’ own Northern Irish metal-icons Therapy?, Kid Bookie, King Nun, Dream Nails and more. To view the full lineup, please visit sxsw.marshall.com, with more acts to be announced in the coming weeks.
To help bring this ambitious activation into reality, Marshall has enlisted local independent promoter, Resound Presents and entertainment partnership gurus, Ad.Ventures to support local talent and ensure that Marshall Funhouse leaves a lasting impact in the Austin local scene. Apart from live music entertainment, Marshall has invited local community partners SIMS Foundation, School of Rock, and global collective Women in Vinyl, to raise awareness for their programs. Musicians at SXSW will also be able to drop in at the Marshall Funhouse artist gifting suite, where they can get their guitars serviced and receive gifts provided by the legendary Ernie Ball and Musicares custom earplugs.
DREAM NAILS | Courtesy of MARSHALL
“Partnering with SXSW perfectly aligns with our mission to support emerging talent from all backgrounds, to show our long-term commitment to the local Austin music scene, all while putting the spotlight on the music icons of today and tomorrow. As such, Marshall Records will also be doing a takeover during the event to proudly showcase our own talent roster,” says Peter Wijk, VP of Marketing at Marshall.
KID BOOKIE | Courtesy of MARSHALL
Over the course of the three days, Marshall Funhouse will be a place where people can immerse themselves in live music performances, and enjoy delicious food and drinks provided by local vendors including Bad Larry Burger Club, Zee’s Wiener System, CTRUS lemonade, and Cloud 9 Cotton Candy. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to play carnival-themed games from Circus Picnic and take part in screen printing with beloved Austin-based design shop Feels So Good (FSG). To tie it all together, the event has been brought to life under one character-led visual universe, complete with live mascots and surprise activities.
Marshall will be further contributing to SXSW by hosting its own panel discussion. This panel will invite speakers who are passionate about and are working towards a flourishing cultural scene and explore the role that community plays in driving music forward and elevating artists’ careers. Among the speakers is rock royalty Janie Hendrix, with whom Marshall has a long-standing partnership with to support the Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation.
Courtesy or MARSHALL
More artists on the lineup, additional programming details, the three-day schedule and more will be announced over the next few weeks.
To stay up to date on the latest information on Marshall Funhouse, please visit sxsw.marshall.com and follow along at the @marshallheadphones and @marshallamps social handles.
WHEN: March 13-15, 2024
WHERE: Paris, 501 Brushy Street, Austin Texas, 78702
RSVP link is now live for SXSW badge holders and the general public HERE
The Wizard of A-Has: Dungeons & Dragons Breaks the Hasbro Curse Review
by Arnold Wayne Jones
There are names that, when I see them in the opening credits of a movie, instantly make me cringe, or at least give pause: “Directed by Michael Bay.” “Screenplay by Joe Eszterhaus.” “Casting supervised by Harvey Weinstein.” High on that list? “Based upon the property by Hasbro.” Eckk. I know people flock to the Transformers movies, but they are noisy nonsense in a visual dungheap of meaningless VFX; Battleship, Ouija, Jen & the Holograms, My Little Pony? Unwatchable. I’m not even a fan of the strained, unfunny cult classic Clue (yeah, well, sue me). Movies based on games?! When has that ever worked?
But there were two things that lured me into screening of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, despite its pedigree: First, the humane and intrigue dramatic success of The Last of Us on HBO, which showed video games could be the source of filmic creativity; and the second was its appealing trailer, which had a hip, subversive energy. I’d take a risk.
Only it didn’t turn out to be a risk at all. D&D: HAT is one of the most disarmingly enjoyable romps I’ve had in a theater in a while. It’s everything that the trailer promised and more: Funny, clever, exciting and even a little sexy.
One serious upside – which, I dunno, may be a downside for devotees of the game – is that it requires zero familiarity with its source material in order to get caught up in the story. Are the cinematic characters pulled from the game? Are locations celebrated and revisited? I have no clue, and don’t care. It stands on its own for entertainment.
The plot is fairly familiar: Two antiheroes, Edgin (Chris Pine) and Holga (Michelle Rodriguez) are betrayed, captured, imprisoned, manage to escape, and go on a quest to achieve their original goal, only with more at stake. Along the way, they team up with lame sorcerer Simon (Justice Smith), shapeshifting druid Doric (Sophia Lillis) and dreamy Paladin Xenk (Rege-Jean Page). They battle the undead, master magic amulets, plan heists and best the fattest dragon in the world.
Yeah, a fat dragon. Who has flame-performance anxiety. And the villain’s wisecracks are more Noel Coward than Cowardly Lion. And did I mention dreamy Rege-Jean Page? (I might come back to him again.)
The inspiration for D&D seems less Game of Thrones or Conan or Lord of the Rings and more Princess Bride: sassy, buoyant, clever and wondrous without aiming for outright awe. The visual effects are excellent, but not the entire meal; the action sequences have the balletic humor of Jackie Chan; the plotting is smart and unexpected. For instance, when we first meet Edgin and Holga, he’s knitting and she’s beating the crap out of an ogre. Indeed, the main action set pieces all feature the women. It’s as if Everything Everywhere All At Once had big-budget backing.
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Hugh Grant plays a charmingly evil Blofeld-like baddy, and Page (sigh!) plays it entirely straight as a sincere Westley-ish swashbuckler. Even Bradley Cooper shows up in a cameo as a milquetoast farmer. Co-writers and -directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein cast down the gauntlet to jokey actioners like Guardians of the Galaxy … and they win with an off-hand queer subtext (including the presences of Rodriguez and Smith) that delivers a tartness. This could be the start of a new Hasbromance.
Opens in theaters March 31.
Texas-based queer artist and activist Caleb De Casper performs and speaks at SXSW 2023
The "budding star" will play 6 official and unofficial shows and speak at a panel on LGBT rights
Since Caleb De Casper's last SXSW, the artist was named KUTX Artist Of The Month, co-headlined a Pride festival, had his ACL Fest performance named a "Most Memorable Moment" and the City of Austin declared April 21st to be "Caleb De Casper Day". On the other hand, homophobic trolls had a field day when City Council member Chito Vela posted a congratulatory photo of himself with the artist, but Vela and De Casper had the last laugh when as a result, "Y'all Means All Day was declared" and the debacle ended up in Teen Vogue. The incident made the classically trained musician even more determined to speak out for queer rights and he will be doing just that at a panel put together by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. As a resident of Texas which is rife with anti-gay legislation, he has plenty to say.
And of course there will be plenty of opportunities to see the artist perform live at SXSW this year, six in fact. And De Casper's live shows are legendary, complete with costumes, props, theatrics and plenty of audience participation. For proof, here is some further reading...
"If theatrics are what you are after, don't miss this performance."- CultureMap
"Peering sharply over Fifties-style sunglasses, De Casper connected to adoring fans through fluctuating electronic beats and audacious flair. With feather boas, pom-poms, and tantalizing phantasmagoria, the 'Real Girl' showed the tenacity of a true superstar." – Alyssa Quiles, Austin Chronicle/Alternative Press
"De Casper’s most notable live performance was a wild, sold-out show at Mohawk last October with NOLA Bounce queen Big Freedia. It was clear they won over the audience with a stellar performance."- Glide Magazine
Caleb De Casper's glam rock show is both over the top and sensational. The gifted songwriter has a knack for incredible live performances.”- Cosmic Clash
Photo by Ismael Quintanilla
KEVIN YEE's Queer, Asian-centered Pilot to Premiere at SXSW “A Guide to Not Dying Completely Alone”
Weslo: We're talking with Kevin Yee— actor, writer, comedian, and creator of A Guide to Not Dying Completely Alone. Kevin, how are you today?
Kevin Yee: The sun is finally shining again in Los Angeles, so all is well!
Weslo: Yasssss, positive attitude! I understand you have a pilot premiering at SXSW, how exciting is that?
Kevin Yee: It’s extremely exciting! I’ve been a filmmaker for a long time, and have screened other projects at major queer festivals like Outfest, Frameline, and Newfest. But this is the first time I’ll be screening at SXSW. It’s also been a long six year journey to get this specific TV pilot in front of an audience, so I’m so glad that it’s finally about to happen in such a big way.
Weslo: Congratulations! How familiar are you with Texas? 🤠
Kevin Yee: I’ve been to Texas a lot! Texas seems to love entertainment, and as an entertainer I’ve performed throughout the state several times. I’ve been to Austin when I was a Broadway chorus boy and toured with the musical “Wicked.” We did three weeks there, so I got to know the city well. I’ve also toured to other parts of the state as a comedian. It’s always so lovely, and the food is amazing!
Weslo: I love to hear that. I’m looking forward to brisket during SXSW. So, tell us, where did you get the inspiration to make A Guide to Not Dying Completely Alone?
Kevin Yee: The original concept of this show came to me when I was in my early/mid 30s. I had made the move from New York to Los Angeles, and it wasn’t going very smoothly. I went through long periods of times where I didn’t work. And now that I was in a new city, I didn’t have a lot of friends or deep connections around me to occupy the quiet times. It was very isolating and lonely. I also went from being fairly successful in the Broadway world, to a relative newcomer to the Hollywood world. I remember being very ambitious and confident in my 20s, but now in my 30s I was questioning everything. I was questioning if I had made the wrong decisions, and if being so career oriented was going to make me alone forever. My family was back in Canada and I was used to not being around them, but I was suddenly missing them in a way I never had. So I decided to write about it. I think a lot of people think about the themes of this show; aging, loneliness, regret, and if it’s possible to change so late in life, shake off the isms that you’ve been hiding behind as a protective shield, and live a self-help book’s ideal fantasy life. So it feels like a story everyone could connect to, even though it’s told through the very specific and often ignored lens of a queer Asian protagonist.
Weslo: Your character, Ben Wu is a gay, Asian, writer... did you pull from personal experiences when creating the character?
Kevin Yee: Ben is an extension of me, for sure. I would say I’m a little more open than he is, and maybe a bit more positive? I don’t think either of us are optimists, but I think he’s definitely more of a pessimist, while I consider myself more of a realist. Ben isn’t in show business though, so I think that’s the biggest difference. There’s a fantasy element to working in show business, a “tomorrow could be your big break” and a “what if” element to life that affects me, but doesn’t really affect someone like Ben. I think the things he wants for his life are a lot simpler than me. But ultimately he’s an exaggerated bitchier version of myself.
Weslo: I love it… Ben Wu wants to make the most of his life after passing out in a gay bar and waking up in the hospital, heavy stuff. Do you personally have a bucket list? If so, what's the first thing you'd want to check off?
Kevin Yee: That’s a good question! You’d think with the theme of this show, I would. I think the usual go-tos people would put on their list (travel, skydive, etc) aren’t appealing to me. I’m kind of a quiet person who isn’t that adventurous in the traditional sense. I think because I was when I was younger, and now I feel like I have a better grasp on what I like and don’t like. I love my work and creating, and that has always been what fulfills me. So I guess I wouldn’t call it so much a bucket list, but I would like to make more TV shows. I would like to fall in love with an awesome guy. And I would like to eventually move my work closer to my family in Canada so I can spend time with them as I grow older.
Weslo: You’re gonna make me cry… ok, I’m back. Ben and Rory are two loners who find themselves in an unlikely friendship. I'm already loving their bond. What can we expect from their characters in terms of growth?
Writer, Actor, Director- Kevin Yee | Photo Credit: Nina Menconi
Kevin Yee: Ben and Rory will definitely help each other grow in every sense. I think the one thing they will teach each other is that it’s okay to be different. And even if you’re different, there are people out there that you can connect to. I feel like society and Hollywood always portrays “fun” and “friendship” in a very specific, loud, and crowded way. Like, you have to drink and go to bars to have fun. Or you have to live in an apartment complex with all your friends like “Friends” in order to not be lonely. But I push back against all of that. I think there are many ways to have fun, many ways to have friends, many ways to party and have connections. So Ben and Rory, two loners who identify with each other even though they come from completely different backgrounds, will let each other fully embrace themselves and what makes them happy simply by existing within the same space. Sometimes you just have to find your tribe, and that tribe may not look like anything you see on TV, or at the bars, or on tik tok.
Weslo: What do you hope viewers take away from this series?
Kevin Yee: I really hope that people will be uplifted and embrace the moment more fully. Especially after what we’ve been through over the past few years; with covid, queer rights being stripped from us at an alarming rate. To realize how short life is and how it’s up to us to find our own peace of mind. This show isn’t about dying, it’s about how to live. How do you live life well? And you won’t necessarily find any answers to that question in this show. I’m not trying to answer an unanswerable question. The show just asks the question and then shows a flawed human trying to answer it. And hopefully it makes you think about your own life, laugh, and cheer for his success.
Weslo: That makes a lot of sense. So, I’m not huge on self-help books, but I got a lot out of author, Gary John Bishop; do you personally have a favorite self-help book?
Kevin Yee: I read “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero maybe once a year. It’s the self-help book I most connect to since she kind of “tells it like it is.” She’s also a musician so I relate to the entertainment side of the book. But also, a lot of my show is meant to roast the self-help world. There is a flawed impossible positivity to a lot of the self-help industry that I think makes people feel worse about themselves. Like, “the book said if I did what it said I would find a husband, and I haven’t found a husband, so it must be my fault. I must be doing it wrong, or not want it enough.” But I think if you can read a book like “You Are a Badass” not as a bible but as a guide, there are a lot of good points in it about where to put your energy, that I find to be very helpful.
Weslo: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. We wish you the best of luck on all your future endeavors. You are remarkably talented.
A Guide to Not Dying Completely Alone will premiere at SXSW in Austin, TX Sunday March 12th at 5:15pm and Wednesday, March 15th at 11:45am at Alamo Drafthouse Lamar.
SXSW Comedy Festival Announces 2023 Lineup
Austin, Texas, February 27, 2023 – South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals unveiled the Comedy Festival lineup for 2023. This year’s diverse slate highlights some of today’s most compelling comedic voices during a week-long celebration of comedy. From March 10-18, SXSW Comedy features stand-up showcases, improv, conversations, live podcast recordings, and more.
Since 2008, the SXSW Comedy Festival has hosted hundreds of acclaimed comedians and performers from all corners of the entertainment industry. The festival is a unique opportunity to connect today’s most influential comedy minds and the next wave of groundbreaking comedic talent with icons from the world of film and television, creating a festival environment unlike any other. SXSW Comedy offers a rare space to witness those spontaneous magical moments that blossom into enduring collaborations.
All SXSW registrants (Platinum, Interactive, Music, and Film &TV) are welcome at all SXSW Comedy showcases. Film & TV wristband holders can attend SXSW Comedy showcases from Friday, March 10 through Saturday, March 18 and Music Wristband holders, Monday, March 13 through Saturday, March 18.
2023 SXSW Comedy Festival Participants:
Abbi Jacobson • Adrienne Iapalucci • Andre Hyland • Anna Kendrick • Anthony Atamanuik • Anthony DeVito • Aristotle Athari • Beth Stelling • Bob Odenkirk • Brian Moses • Caitlin Peluffo • Caleb Hearon • Chelsea Handler • Christina Catherine Martinez • Doug Benson • Eddie Pepitone • Emma Willmann • Eric André • Felipe Esparza • Godfrey • Greg Proops • Ismael Loutfi • Jackie Fabulous • Jake Johnson •James Adomian • Jessica McKenna • Joe DeRosa • John Gemberling • Josh Johnson • Joyelle Johnson • Katherine Blanford • Leonard Maltin • Matt Besser • Mike Lawrence • Natalie Palamides • Nick Thune • Patton Oswalt • Pete Lee • Phoebe Robinson • Rachel Sennott • Reggie Watts • Sabrina Jalees • Sam Jay • Sam Tallent • Sandy Honig • Steve Agee • Steph Tolev • Stuart Goldsmith • Tim Robinson • Todd Barry • Tone Bell • Yamaneika Saunders
Plus surprise guests and more!
2023 SXSW Comedy Festival Special Programs Featuring:
Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show • ASSSSCAT • The Comedian’s Comedian • Comic Relief US • The Creek & The Cave • Doug Loves Movies • Good Trip Live: A Night of Comedy and Psychedelic Stories • Gotham Comedy Club • I Used to Be Funny • improv4humans • Maltin on Movies • Matt Besser’s 420 Show • Roast Battle’s Tournament of Champions • Swan Leak: A Silent Clown Ballet • Variety Power of Comedy and more
Variety Power of Comedy, presented by Inspire Brands, will recognize comedic achievements across stand-up, film, TV and digital platforms on March 10. This year’s honorees include Chelsea Handler, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick, Patton Oswalt, Phoebe Robinson, Tim Robinson, Zach Kanin and others. This star-studded celebration of comedy will be hosted by Mike Lawrence and Nick Thune. Participants also include Bob Odenkirk. Full lineup and details below.
Expert impressionist James Adomian returns to SXSW Comedy with his third festival “keynote”, ŽIŽEK vs ŽXŽW: My God, What Is This Polycrisis? (A Comedy Keynote in Twelve Volumes), featuring celebrity philosopher Slavoj Žižek (Adomian) sharing inscrutable insights and questioning guests who will no doubt struggle to comprehend what cannot be understood about deep politics, late capitalist culture, and SXSW itself.
Comic Relief US (comicrelief.org), the nonprofit known around the world for Red Nose Day, hosts stand-up performance and special event, Funny Thing About Breaking Up the Boys Club. Abbi Jacobson (Broad City), Sam Jay (Bust Down), and Joyelle Johnson (Crashing) join for a discussion on the impact of women who break barriers and the power of laughter to affect change.
Adult Swim joins the festival to celebrate the return of the The Eric Andre Show. Eric André, along with co-host Felipe Esparza, DJ Douggpound, and friends, will present an evening of live comedy along with an exclusive sneak peek of the long-awaited sixth season.
Producers of the hit Netflix documentary, and 2020 SXSW Film selection, Have a Good Trip, will host a night of comedy and psychedelic stories with Eric André, Reggie Watts, Steve Agee, Sandy Honig (SXSW Featured Short Pennies From Heaven), Hamilton Morris, and surprise guests! The Good Trip team will also take part in a SXSW Conference featured session, Have a Good Trip: Psychedelics in Film and TV.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) cofounder, Matt Besser, will return with a slate of shows including his beloved podcast improv4humans. He will provide stoner comedy at The 420 Show and lead UCB’s longest running show, ASSSSCAT, featuring true tales from celebrity guests and inspired scenes from some of today’s most skilled performers. UCB favorites Anthony Atamanuik (The President Show), John Gemberling (Broad City), and Jessica McKenna (Party Over Here) will join in the fun.
Besser will also present Johnny Cash Jr. & The Nepo Babies Hootenanny, a relatively star-studded event. Johnny Cash Jr. (Besser) hosts an evening of infamous nepo babies performing their biggest hits, or maybe their parent’s biggest hits. Another jam session of sorts, Nick Thune will host Riffs and Riff-Raff, a mixed bag of weirdness, complete with outlandish characters, nonsensical lyrics, and improvised songs.
The schedule features a slate of live podcast recordings. Renowned film historian Leonard Maltin and daughter Jessie Maltin, will talk all things cinema with guests on Maltin on Movies. Stuart Goldsmith will return with live editions of his famed podcast, The Comedian’s Comedian, where he delves into the minds of the funniest people with his signature curious and insightful style. Doug Benson will record his hit audience-interactive game show, Doug Loves Movies. For the first time in almost a decade, Greg Proops (Whose Line Is It Anyway) brings his podcast, The Smartest Man in the World, to the SXSW stage.
Two comedy institutions are back again this year to bring some of their favorite acts to the festival. A renowned launching pad for New York’s funniest, Gotham Comedy Club brings a killer lineup of comedians from their famous stage. Official SXSW venue The Creek & The Cave, which fostered a massive wave of comedy in NYC before making a home in Austin, will also be showcasing a selection of their top stand-ups.
Brian Moses returns to the festival with The Hateful Eight: Roast Battle’s Tournament of Champions. Since its inception at the world-famous Comedy Store, Roast Battle has spent a decade spreading the art of insult comedy, crowning the best trash talkers in cities all across the country. Moses assembles a first-ever meeting of champions from every region of America to compete in a three-day battle of wits… until one is crowned best roast battler in the country.
Joe DeRosa, comedian and owner of NYC sandwich shop, Joey Roses, returns with another edition of last year’s hit, Joe DeRosa’s Sandwich Summit. The summit will bring together chefs and creators behind some of Austin’s best eats to talk about all things sandwich.
In their first year at SXSW, comedians Natalie Palamides and Christina Catherine Martinez team up for SWAN LEAK: A Silent Clown Ballet. Moonlighting as incendiary LA clowns, the pair explore their softer side through a soggy interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.
Comedian and actress Rachel Sennott stars as an aspiring stand-up comic struggling with PTSD in SXSW Narrative Feature, I Used to Be Funny. In partnership with the Film & TV Festival, We Used to Be Funny celebrates the film and its comedian-studded marquee with a stand-up show featuring cast members Rachel Sennott, Sabrina Jalees, Caleb Hearon, and friends.
Variety Power of Comedy, presented by Inspire Brands, will recognize comedic achievements across stand-up, film, TV and digital platforms on March 10 at SXSW. This year’s honorees are Eric André, Cult Favorite; Chelsea Handler, Comedy Icon; Jake Johnson, Comedy Director; Anna Kendrick, Comedy Actress; Patton Oswalt, Stand-up Comic; Phoebe Robinson, Comedy Innovator; Tim Robinson & Zach Kanin, Sketch Comedy; and Rachel Sennott, Breakthrough Artist. Variety Power of Comedy will be hosted by Mike Lawrence and Nick Thune. Participants also include Bob Odenkirk.Inspire Brands will be serving food and drink at the event from Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's and SONIC Drive-in. The event will be open to SXSW badgeholders on a first come, first served basis.
SXSW Film & TV Festival
Featured performers will also appear in an array of exciting new films and TV series debuting at the SXSW Film & TV Festival. Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick star in the SXSW Narrative Spotlight film, Self Reliance. Patton Oswalt will attend the premiere of TV Spotlight, Shatter Belt, where he stars in episode three of director James Byrkit’s modern mindbender. He’ll also make an appearance at a featured discussions session, The COHERENCE Effect: Manifesting Shatter Belt, to discuss the unconventional approach to the making of the film. Rachel Sennott takes the screen in narrative feature, I Used to Be Funny, along with comedians Sabrina Jalees and Caleb Hearon. Sennott also appears in the hilarious SXSW Film & TV Festival Headliner Bottoms. Sandy Honig attends the festival as director of her short film, Pennies From Heaven, and additionally for her acting role in The Young Wife.
About SXSW
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, 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. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.
SXSW 2023 Comedy Festival is sponsored by Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Volkswagen, The Austin Chronicle, Porsche, Itaú bank, C4 Energy, and Slack.
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.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: Film Review
When I was initially approached with the opportunity to attend the world premiere The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent and write a review of the film, I was hesitant. I’m not the biggest Nick Cage fan in the world, I was honestly of the opinion his films were corny, lame, and they peaked at National Treasure, as that was the last film of his I recalled seeing. After all, a film of Nicholas Cage, of all actors, playing himself? Even from the first trailers appearing on my Instagram feed I was skeptical on whether the finished product would be a watchable film for people who weren’t devoted Cage enthusiasts. What I was surprised to find was an endearing love letter to Nick Cage himself, his fans, and his work. The metatextual narrative was refreshing, the comedy left the whole theater in a roar of applause and laughter multiple times, and it even had some homoerotic tension between the main leads and Cage with… himself?
The film begins as a character study on Cage himself, highlighting his broken relationship with his fictional daughter and wife due to his overcommitment to his work. This first act portrays Cage as an egotistical, washed-up actor struggling to find work. Feeling his career is over, he takes a risk by attending the birthday party of a self-proclaimed Nicholas Cage superfan played by Pedro Pascal. From here the film transforms into a spy-action drama in which the CIA uses Cage as a special operative to uncover the dark underbelly of this superfan’s cartel operation, believing him to have kidnapped the daughter of a South American political candidate. Throughout the film, Nick and Javi desperately try to draft a film together. Believing that Cage’s estranged relationship with his family is giving him writer’s block, Javi flies his family out to his compound in Spain. We discover later that Javi, Pascal’s character, is being manipulated by the real kingpin, his cousin. Cage’s daughter Addy, played by Lily Mo Sheen, is then kidnapped by the Javi’s cousin, and the film reaches the climax after Cage stabs the kingpin of the operation. The film closes on the final product of the film being a dramatization of the film we watched with the family reunited, clearly in higher spirits than what we saw in the first act.
"Nick Cage (Nicolas Cage, left) enjoying a welcome drink on Javi Gutierezz's' (Pedro Pascal, right) compound in Mallorca, Spain. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate
The film being drafted by the main characters is a metatextual commentary on the movie we’re watching. While Javi and Nick are drafting the film, if you listen carefully, their ideas for the film line up with the plot points. At one point in the story, in an instance of foreshadowing, the main characters change their story from a character driven narrative structure to an action film. They even say the meta film has “something for everyone,” which rings true for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Even those who normally don’t enjoy Cage on screen will appreciate this one. I really liked this method of storytelling because it sets it apart from other films. It’s not like anything I’ve ever seen before.
There are countless references to the earlier works of Nick Cage, and likely most of them flew right over my head. Some of the few I did catch included Cage walking into the pool and having Javi dive in after him, referencing Leaving Las Vegas. Javi’s grotesque wax sculpture of cage holds replicas of the golden guns he wielded in Face/Off. Even internet culture is referenced when Cage notices a sequin pillow of his face hiding among the collection of memorabilia owned by Javi.
Tiffany Haddish ("Vivian", left) snaps a quick selfie with Nicolas Cage. (“Nicolas Cage”, right) while undercover at the airport in THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT. Photo Credit: Karen Ballard/Lionsgate
It's clear that the film was a labor of love for director Tom Gormican. In fact, Cage originally wasn’t interested in the film until he discovered how much appreciation for his workGormican held. Cage said during a Q&A after the screening, “Tom wrote me a very thoughtful, very enthusiastic letter, and I realized that he wasn’t trying to do like a(n) Andy Samberg SNL sketch mocking whatever so-called Nick Cage is, but that he was actually interested in some of the earlier work and wanted to maybe showcase that…”
Now, let’s get into the gay stuff. The film immediately gets representation points for casting everyone’s favorite gay Neil Patrick Harris as this fictional Nick Cage’s manager. Early in the film they go into a spa to receive a very homoerotic massage in which a masochistic Harris enjoys a flogging session on a massage table while Cage is visibly uncomfortable.
Neil Patrick Harris ("Richard") chats on the phone with his client Nick Cage in THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate
The chemistry between the main leads is incredible, and when viewed through a queer lens adds another level of depth to their relationship. One of the first interactions between the leads, Pedro Pascal comes out by the pool clad in only a button down and a speedo. Call it a European thing, but through a queer lens, one might see this as an invitation to gaze. Nevertheless, Cage seems to act a bit shocked by Javi’s openness.
Javi Gutierrez' (Pedro Pascal, right) attempts to hide their paranoia that people are watching them. Javi Gutierrez' (Pedro Pascal, left) and 'Nick Cage' (Nicolas Cage, right) zooming through the mountains of Mallorca, Spain. Photo Credit: Katalin Vermes/Lionsgate
Javi’s obsession with Cage is claimed to only be a parasocial appreciation of his work, but come on, who are they kidding? Anyone that keeps a wax figure of their idol must be a little bit attracted to them. They even exchange an “I love you” near the end of the film, despite this being handwaved away with Javi being attracted to his assistant. Bi representation, maybe?
Of course we can’t talk about homoeroticism without touching on the scene in which Nick Cage makes out with a younger version of himself who also happens to be a figment of his imagination. It’s the only explicitly homosexual act on the screen, so I had to mention it if we’re speaking on queer theory.
Overall, the film really does have something for everyone. Cage’s campy acting, the over the top action, the adorable bromance between the leads, the genuinely laugh out loud comedy, all of these aspects wrapped up in a little bow results in an amazing feature for both Cage fans and haters alike. This film changed my perspective on Cage’s career, and I can see it doing that for others too. See it in theaters April 22nd.
Unbounded Bash Puts Queer and Trans BIPOC Performers at the Forefront
Television shows like Pose and Legendary have reminded us of the trails blazed by the queer and trans heroes before us. They have also portrayed ballroom culture and how underground balls were a quintessential part of queer and trans liberation. This Wednesday (March 16), Unbounded Bash will bring a real-life ball to Austin’s Coconut Club as part of SXSW.
Spearheaded by Unbounded Agency, Unbounded Bash celebrates queer and trans people of color, and will feature performances by various queer and trans acts. The bash will feature three different activations.
“We have At the Discoteca hosting the DJ showcase,” says Unbounded Agency founder Anita Obasi. “At the Discoteca is a traveling party celebrating Black music for the queer and BIPOC community. We also have live performances that will precede the Dirty South Ball.”
The Dirty South Ball will be hosted by Austin’s iconic House of Lepore and will feature previous cast members from Legendary, along with various regional houses, including Puerto Rican house, Laboratoria Boricua de Vogue.
Unbounded Agency was invited to be an official presenter at SXSW in 2020, however, COVID-19 forced the conference to shut down. Obasi, however, says Unbounded’s return couldn’t be more timely.
“72 hours before the events, we basically had to cancel everything,” Obasi says. “So it was definitely a really hard moment for everyone involved. But it's really exciting to be able to bring everyone back and put our best effort in. I think it was also a blessing in disguise in the sense that we've had two years to reflect on ourselves as a whole, and then come back to the table feeling more refreshed and renewed.”
Born and raised in northern Virginia, Obasi is a first-generation American of Nigerian and Indian descent. She arrived to Austin in 2013 after graduating college and landing a job in the tech industry.
Obasi worked with a group of people who ran a coworking space called Topology, a 2,000-square-foot warehouse in which she and her peers operated the space as a creative hub. The warehouse has since been torn down, But Obasi was determined to use her creative and collaborative spirit to make a difference in the community she holds dearest to her heart.
“I was trying to figure out how to take the ethos of that space and turn it into something that could exist without walls or without necessarily a physical location,” Obasi says. “And part of the ethos of Topology was incorporated into our own personal values. And for me, it was creating space for queer and BIPOC people.”
Obasi founded Unbounded Agency in 2018, with a mission to organize events centering queer and trans people of color. Unbounded Bash will celebrate the voices she sought out to amplify during the genesis of her company.
With a line-up of predominately Black and Latinx performers, Unbounded Bash aims to remind us of all the reasons why we love queer culture. Performers include Argentinian DJ Tayhana, Xa’Pariis Nike of Legendary fame, non-binary rapper Babiboi, and Chicago house legend DJ Shani.
“DJ Shani is very representative of the true nature and history of house music, which is something that, as it has become popularized has seen more of a ‘white bro-y’ face to it. We're excited to have her here to remind people of the roots of house music and specifically the depth of Black history in that space.”
Although Obasi now resides in Los Angeles, she is elated to return to Austin, the city she called home for six years. For her, there is no other city where she would rather launch Unbounded Bash.
“I think people forget that queer and BIPOC identities still continue to exist in Texas,” Obasi says. “We're all human beings who exist in this space and we need to take up space and remind people that we are existing and thriving.”
Unbounded Bash kicks off Wednesday, March 16 at Colorado Club. SXSW badge holders will have priority entry. RSVPs and more information about the showcase can be found at unboundedagency.org/sxsw.
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)
Staying Busy and Slaying Henny! - Rising star Stevie Boi is not letting quarantine slow him down
May 5, 2020
Dallas, TX
New York based designer Stevie Boi has gained incredible momentum in the fashion eyewear scene with SB Shades. At just 30 years old, this Augusta, GA born designer has used his over-the-top sunglasses to style some of the biggest stars including Madonna, Ke$ha, and Amber Rose. While this is exceptionally impressive, Stevie Boi is no one trick pony. He owns and operates clothing brand SK8T, and is author of Shade Built my Empire, a book about brand identity and building a business from the ground up. In his self-titled vlog, Stevie Boi, he travels the world showcasing his brand and interacts with other fashionistas making stops in Iceland, Paris, and cities all over the U.S.
Even with so much accomplished, Stevie Boi knows it is imperative for any rising star to keep their momentum if they want to have a lasting career. So when a global pandemic like COVID-19 strikes, what does he do? One word:
Werk!
We got the chance to chat with Stevie Boi about his time in quarantine and some of his latest projects. And yes, he has been staying busy. So if you’re tired of being asked “Are you still watching?” then keep reading. Stevie Boi’s work ethic is enough to make any queen hop off their throne (couch) and get back to work on those passion projects.
Weslo: What have you been doing since the quarantine started?
Stevie Boi: Work! But also lots and lots of cooking. I wanted to use this time to focus on a new book. So with that being said, a cookbook seemed like the logical next step. It’s something I’ve always wanted to sink my teeth into, lol. So I figured, why not? I have also designed two new lines.
Weslo: Yas! What’s the name of this cookbook and what makes it different?
Stevie Boi: My book is titled Stevie Boi Eats presents: Season to Taste. It’s a personal take, based on my travels around the world. I have some unique recipes I’ll be dishing out from my time in Europe, and being the Georgia peach I am, I’ll be fusing them with some southern recipes.
Weslo: Can we expect these recipes to be accompanied by some fabulous photos?
Stevie Boi: Yas Queen! 80% of the book will have photos and I’m excited to say I am working with Michael Antonio and Nikon Don, some of my favorite photographers. Because of this pandemic, we have put our shoots on hold but that won’t stop me from working on everything else I can get done in the meantime.
Weslo: What do you plan on accomplishing with this cookbook?
Stevie Boi: Most of the public knows me for my design work and for being a video personality. But if you really know me personally, you know I love to cook. I think this will introduce that part of me to the world. I have been cooking my entire life. I can’t wait for the day I get to do tours and pop ups at book stores. That seems like so much fun.
Weslo: You also mentioned you have been working on two different lines during the quarantine. What can you tell us about those?
Stevie Boi: I have been working on my current line is SK8T, of course, but I have also recently decided to plan out my next two years of collections. One of them is incredibly vibrant. I think Betsy Johnson would love it, lol. The other line is Olympic-themed and features lots of gold tones. Can’t wait for you to see it!
Weslo: Sounds fun and ambitious. Is the Olympic-theme collection workout apparel?
Stevie Boi: Its a mix of athletic gear and high fashion, same but separate, lol. You’ll know it when you see it. ;)
Weslo: You were part of film that was to be screened for SXSW 2020. We know it was canceled due to COVID-19. What can you tell us about that project?
Stevie Boi: I had a small role as a model in the film. I was promoting my P!NK Collection. I actually still haven’t seen the film myself but I know it will be fab!
Weslo: Do you have any tips for our readers on how to stay motivated during this quarantine?
Stevie Boi: Yes! I would suggest finding three hobbies a day. I like to start with cooking breakfast in the a.m. I start designing until the late afternoon and meditate before bed. I have also been using a humidifier during quarantine to improve air quality, it really helps me relax. Lastly drink lots of water! I like to add lemon and cucumbers. I love to detox at least three days out of the week.
SK8T by Stevie Boi