Happy hours and hours and hours…
The SXSW Interactive conference is pretty amazing when you think about it, featuring dozens upon dozens of panels and keynote presentations putting you at the very edge of that place where technology and humanity meet. But let’s face it: you can only hear web pundits go on about “monetizing eyeballs” or “leveraging mashups” or using made-up words like “folksonomy” (what’s that about?) before you need a break.
You need a drink. You, friend, need a party.
Fortunately, you won’t go wanting. The days of SXSW interactive are packed but at night, after the lights dim at the Convention Center, there’s a whole other schedule waiting for you. It’s real-life social networking! Herewith, just a few of the parties and events you might not want to miss.
Buzzfeed, Ze Frank and Juiceboxxx: Saturday, March 10, 10 pm at the Molotov Lounge. It’s just a few blocks from the Frog Design opening shindig, and promises music, libations, a rooftop deck and a pre-Web Awards performance by the host of The Show with Ze Frank. Why you’ll wanna go: All God’s little duckies love Ze, Juiceboxxx brings the sweet electrorap and, of course, it’s Kottke-endorsed.
8-bit: Saturday, March 10, 10 pm–2 am at Red’s Scoot Inn. Yep, same time as the Buzzfeed soiree, but a near enough stumble that you can fit both gigs in if you try. Hosted by 1-year-old 30 Boxes, venerable vlog Rocketboom and upstart startup Satisfaction, it promises free booze, music from DJ INVIDKLLR and DJ V.I.N.Cent and old-school Frogger and Ms. Pac-Man standees. Why you’ll wanna go: Flash back seven years to another legendary SXSW party: the launch of too-hip-to-live Deepleap. Suave looker Lane Becker, co-founder of Satisfaction, had a hand in that one too. Don’t. Miss.
Come Mashup with Us: Sunday, March 11, 9 pm–1 am at Austin City Limits Studio. It’s the home of the long-running teevee proponent of Austin music, and they’ve got Voxtrot for ya. Why you’ll wanna go: It’s a bit of a schlep from downtown, but worth it. Voxtrot has connections to neither Vox nor the Trotts, but they bring catchy pop goodness. Take the cab ride.
Yahoo! BarTab: Monday, March 12, 6:30–9:30 pm at Light Bar. The big ‘hoo! and what seems like every little company they ever acquired are throwing a bash at the fresh newish club at Congress and Fourth, featuring an open bar, munchies and music by The Little Ones. “After we reach capacity,” they say, “admittance will be determined by Feats of Strength.” We’re pretty sure that’s the name of Andy Baio’s band. Why you’ll wanna go: Ask anyone who was at last year’s Yahoo! party that busted the seams of Iron Cactus. This’ll be the talk of Tuesday. Also, if you’ve written something that uses tags, you might leave with a check.
The Great British Booze-Up: Monday, March 12, 7:30–10 pm at Lava Lounge. On the other hand, if there’s anything to pull you away from the Yahoo! do, it oughta be this. Those big, beautiful brains from Old Blighty are throwing an optimistically-termed “first annual” chance to “meet some of your favourite British designers and marvel at their funny accents and eccentric ways”. Why you’ll wanna go: The aforementioned big brains, an opportunity to say thanks for Doctor Who and Torchwood, and the likelihood that a pissed standards guru will offer you pounds in exchange for some spare U’s for their words.
Gawker/Lifehacker @ SXSW: Monday, March 12, 8 pm–midnight at Side Bar. We love the Stubb’s-adjacent back patio at this joint, but that may just be because we totally made out with a hot Fleshbot boy there last year. Anyhow, have a drink on Nick Denton’s tab and meet the folks from Lifehacker.com. Why you’ll wanna go: Shake the hand of the elusive Gina Trapani, possibly spy Will Leitch and see which gives out first, your liver or Denton’s wallet.
But there’s more, oh so much more. Stay tuned to the Baby! for details on some of the other shindigs, glass-liftings and feedbags vying for a place on your schedule.
