As is my tradition, I’m ending my SXSW 2023 series with a hodgepodge of my photos from the conference. First up is Disney’s working lightsaber that I mentioned in my March 10 2023 entry. This was definitely one of the coolest moments at the conference. Search YouTube for “disney lightsaber sxsw” to see it in action.

Bill and I were glad to attend SXSW 2023 in person. Except for watching movies at home, last year’s virtual experience wasn’t great. I don’t know the final attendance numbers, but Interactive and Film seemed almost as crowded as back in 2019. In his 2023 Opening Remarks, SXSW Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest had said that 30% were international attendees, and that seemed to be true: I heard many different languages while waiting for sessions, movies, or music.

The last day of SXSW 2023 is always bittersweet. Even after a tiring ten days, it’s a little sad to return to real life. This year’s last day was odd though. Not much was happening until midday, when Bill and I watched an excellent comedy, Theater Camp, at the Paramount. Afterwards, we wandered over to the Austin Convention Center, but everything related to SXSW was being disassembled and packed up. We attended a comedy podcast, ate dinner at a favorite restaurant, Moonshine, and then looked for some music without much success. We finally ended up watching the UT men’s basketball playoff game on TV. That turned out to be a good decision: UT won the game to advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament.

St. Patrick’s Day 2023. Unlike past years, we didn’t see much celebrating at SXSW….a few mentions, some green clothing, a few kilts, but no big street parties. The chilly, windy weather was probably a factor.

SXSW Music was in full swing today. I listened to sets at three different venues. The Radio Day Stage was still in the Austin Convention Center, although it was banished to Ballroom A on the far southeastern corner near Cesar Chavez. The International Stage became an outdoor tent at the SXSW Registrants Lounge, also banished to a run-down warehouse on the south side of Cesar Chavez. Central Presbyterian Church remained as an evening venue, but St. David’s Church was closed due to renovations. A thunderstorm came through downtown about 9 PM while I was safely seated listening to Madison McFerrin in Central Presby.