Let's Rock: ASCAP presents exciting group of bands on opening night of SXSW



Austin, Texas proclaims itself the live music capital of the world. And during the annual SXSW Music Festival, no one can argue with that. ASCAP's long and successful tradition of showcasing some of the world's best emerging and most exciting rock bands continued this year with a stunning display of international talent on Wednesday, March 18 th. Taking the stage at the Dirty Dog were Death on Two Wheels, Chief, The Temper Trap, Fool's Gold, Dananananaykroyrd, Gay Blades and Natalie Portman's Shaved Head.

Creating a Big Buzz with Quiet Songs: ASCAP's acoustic-oriented showcase displays songwriters with something to say



ASCAP presented its annual Quiet on the Set showcase on Friday, March 20th at the Driskill Hotel on Sixth Street, presenting some incredibly talented songwriters, with and without bands, in an intimate setting. Performers included Chanel Campbell, WAZ, Madi Diaz with Kyle Ryan, Jason Reeves, Five Times August, Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers and Lucy Wainwright Roche.

A Fine Frenzy: 23rd Annual SXSW Proves Live Music is Alive and Well



The 23rd Annual SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas attracted 1,900 acts from all over the world for five days in March. From superstar headliners like ASCAP members Metallica, who played an unannounced show at Stubb's BBQ, to countless other performances at clubs, in tents, in backyards, on rooftops, on the streets and in the convention center, songwriters, bands and their current and future fans all connected in powerful ways at this year's fest. In addition to ASCAP's two official showcases, the ASCAP co-sponsored three-day Filter Magazine Showdown stage at the Cedar Street Courtyard presented some glorious live music each day in the afternoon sun. The ASCAP/EverGreen Copyright Boat Cruises provided festival-goers a place to chill out and network. And all across Austin, ASCAP members shared their music with some 12,000 attendees who showed that, even in a down economy, nothing can replace the vitality, passion and joy that live music creates.