The MusicFile Presents...East Austin Artist Lounge
What If Somebody Threw A Five Day Party For Bands?
What: A tiny bar, a back patio, a food trailer and and a large empty lot. Transformed.
When: Tuesday, March 16th- Saturday, March 20th. 11am-2am Every Day. Yep, that's SXSW week! (3/16 kickoff is at 5pm!)
Where: Cheer Up Charlie's new digs. 1104 East 6th Street, Austin, Texas (formerly Ms. Bea's)
Why: ~1. Because bands work their asses off during SXSW and deserve a little pampering!
~2. Because East Austin is where it's at.
So What's The General Idea?
- A place for bands to call home. A giant casual Green Room. Lounge chairs, twinkling lights, potted palms, shade, good music.
-Outstanding Vegan food courtesy of Cheer Up Charlie's plus some of Austin's best food trucks stop by every day: Torchies, Snappy Snacks, ChiLantro BBQ
-Beverages of the alcoholic and non alcoholic variety:
Icelandic Glacier Water
Bolthouse Farms Juices and Smoothies
Third Coast Roasting Coffee every morning at 11am
Bill's Wunder-Pilz
Wodka Vodka
Kilo Kai Spiced Rum
Don Eduardo Tequila
Stone Brewery Beer
(You must be over 21 to enter. You must have Valid ID with you)
-Our Band-Aid Concierge Desk. Everything you forgot to bring or ran out of. From clean socks to condoms to Excedrin.
-Laundry drop off and pick up.
-A place to conduct press interviews or casual meetings.
-Free wi-fi.
-Phone recharging stations (thank the good lord!).
-Information on resources that help bands just starting out- from health insurance to tour software.
-Late night mayhem.
Anything Special Planned?
Yep! Austin's own Better Than The Van will be announcing the winner of it's van giveaway at The Lounge on Saturday afternoon. More info Here.
Who's In?
-All bands playing in Austin during SXSW 2010 (credential or proof of performance required)
-Friends of The MusicFile and Cheer Up Charlie's (invite required)
-Working press who are conducting Band interviews in the lounge (details to follow)
I Qualify! Do I Need To RSVP?
-If you don't get an invite from us in the next few weeks, you can send us an email at RSVP@themusicfile.com. You must submit Band name, band member names and confirmation of where you are playing during SXSW.
I'm Not In A Band But I Know People Who Are. How Can I Get On That List?
-The MusicFile's East Austin Artists Lounge is for bands and their invited guests. Upon check in, each band will get up to 5 extra wristbands to bestow upon adoring fans. It's up to them!
What's It Gonna Cost Me?
-Nothing, nada, zilch, free. There are only a few items you might need $$ for:
Cigs
Tacos off the trucks (about $3.00)
Fancy Pants liquor.
Walk Me Thru a Typical Day!
We're gonna let things happen as they may but it might go something like this:
11:00 a.m: Bloody Mary's, Hot Coffee, Juices and Smoothies. Hydrate, Consume protein, reduce headache, apply sunscreen. Prepare thyself.
1:00 p.m. - 6:00p.m.: If you're playing a daytime showcase or party, think of us as your East Side HQ. Stop by before or after, drop off your stuff (we'll lock it up), meet other bands, schedule a press interview, have a cold beer, grab some food. We have real restrooms.
6:00 p.m.- Midnight: More of the above. Things start to get interesting.
Midnight until...: We're not responsible at this point. Bring a guitar or borrow one of ours. We'll have some makeshift drums. A vinyl record player, maybe a fire pit. Play, drink, dance, mingle, howl at the moon (the rumor floating around that there will be a hot tub may or may not be true).
Various: A few kickass shows per day in The MusicFile Listening Room @ Cheer Up Charlie's. 75 person capacity. Lineup announced day of via Twitter.
Rinse and repeat.
Hey, I Still Have Questions!
First off, where the hell is "East Austin"? It sounds far.
-It's not. If you walked out of the front door of Emo's on 6th street, took a left, smoked a cigarette and walked a few blocks, you'd be there. Or you can look at the map:
View Larger Map
I'm in a band. Can I play a set in your space?
-We're going to do a couple of cool shows a day inside our tiny Listening Room which is now booked solid. We're leaving room for impromptu acoustic only playing at night. If you want to do something cool like that, we're all for it. Give us a shout at info@themusicfile.com.
Who's Playing Near By?
Lots of great bands. We'll load showcase and band schedules for all East Austin venues as they are confirmed. You can view them Here.
Is this the official SXSW Artists Lounge?
No, it's not. But not because we don't love everyone involved with SXSW. It's just our budgets are small and we like the East Side.
You guys are gonna need staff. Can I volunteer?
-We already have a long list but we'll post daily via Twitter if we need any extra
Hey, Isn't This The Old Todd P Location @ Ms. Bea's?
Yep, it is. He'll be right next door in the empty lot with 5 full days of shows. Lineup available @ Brooklyn Vegan
That's It For Now...Hope to see ya in Austin!
