This was the first full day of SXSW Music. Dreading another long security line I skipped the panel discussion with Michelle Obama, and was quite happy with my choice of a music documentary instead. The rest of my day was spent listening to bands, and ended with a last-minute decision to see Iggy Pop.
In the morning, Bill and I watched The American Epic Sessions at the Paramount Theater. This was the North American premiere of the last film of a four-part series. Back in the 1920s, recordings of local musicians were made throughout America. The old recording system did not survive, but has been recreated in a studio in Burbank. Current artists, including Elton John, The Avett Brothers, Steve Martin, Alabama Shakes, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard, were invited to record songs using the old equipment. The director and editor attended this screening, but producers Jack White, T Bone Burnett, and Robert Redford did not. Watching Jack White work with all these musicians was fascinating. This was my favorite film of SXSW. Look for it on PBS later this year.
Bill won two VIP tickets to see Iggy Pop at ACL Live. I didn’t know his music, but couldn’t resist the VIP seats. Even at age 68, Iggy puts on a good show, especially with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) on lead guitar.
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