Hubert Sumlin at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

Tonight a dream of mine came true. I got to see and photograph one of the greatest living bluesmen. Hubert Sumlin. Hubert was the guitarist for Howlin Wolf, and also later Muddy Waters. Hubert is a gifted blues guitarist and his influence has been felt from Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix, to Led Zepplin and countless others.

Hubert was sitting in with Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Antone's tonight in Austin. Kenny has just set out on a tour in support of his new album and DVD Ten Days Out and Hubert is accompanying him.

Seeing Hubert just makes you smile. He is so full of life and always has this coy grin. The blues just flow from his every pore.

Did I mention I like Hubert Sumlin. Well, a fella can gush every now and then.

The Night Watchman (Tom Morello) photo by clint gilders - staff photographer The Night Watchman (Tom Morello) photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

One of the cool yet equally frustrating things about SXSW is the secret show.

Sometimes these are shows by big name artists who aren't on the regular schedule. Sometimes it's an additional show by an already scheduled artist. Either way, they are rumor fodder and often difficult to find.

The rumor mill coughed up that Tom Morello would be playing an unannounced show in the secondary room at Stubb`s BBQ, so after a quick stop at the Hilton to unload some photos, I scurried, like a mouse after cheese, to try and get into the Secret Show.

When I strolled in, there were few others in attendance. This quickly changed though, and I was glad I'd staked out my piece of floor by the stage. Yes, I'm there to get pictures, but I am a huge fan. I put my cameras away for most of the show to give him the respect he deserved. Tom played as the Night Watchman and shared with us some powerful folk music. This is angry folk with a heavy hand and in your face lyrics. Tom is a revolutionary, and he is going about it in the correct non-violent way. During lots of bands I'll stroll out part way through their set. Tom Morello was among the elite few (including Serena Ryder, the Zico Chain, and Lemon Sun) thatI hung around for. Thank you Tom! Cheers mate!!!

After that there was nothing to do but to set a course for bed. On my way I HAD TO have my nightly slice of Roppolo's Pizza. That has to b the finest pizza I have ever tasted. Since I only partake in the god's greatest gift to man, beer, when it's free at the day parties, know that I am stone cold sober when I eat this pizza so there are none of the alcohol induced flavor enhancers. If you come to Austin, go see live music but also go eat a deluxe slice from Roppolo's Pizza.

BTW: As I write this I am two-fisting my coffee into me courtesy of the blessed little machine in our room. It brews two individual cups of coffee at one time. I gots to get me one!

Shirock at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

By the time I got to the UK Bash at Brush Square it was guest list only and Amy Winehouse had just started her set.

She was the only reason I wanted to go so I strolled on to 6th Street.

I ended up at Maggie Mae's and saw the Valentines (downstairs) and Shirock (upstairs).

Both good bands and free beer and BBQ to boot.

I'm gonna see how things are shaping up at the trade show booth an try to make it back to Maggie Mae's for Lemon Sun at 4. I can't feel my feet anymore. That means they're getting better right?

Wish me luck.

The Valentines - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

6th Street at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

The Zico Chain at SXSW - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

I am the walking dead.......

I got rug burn in the photo pit at the Pete Townsend keynote interview, every toe has a blister from the endless hiking up and down 6th Street and my voice is but a memory.

The Pete Townsend keynote was amazing. The scene during our 2 minutes of papparazi-like shooting was mayhem. After that I did sit down and listen to what Pete had to say and quite enjoyed it. He is a musical genius, and he is a living legend after all.

I heard through the grapevine that Pete did show up at the Austin Music awards, and the dumbass that I am, I didn't go. It had been leaked to us that he would be there, but I just didn't want to believe it and I couldn't imagine sitting for 2 1/2 hours hoping the rumours were true.

I did journey to 6th St. and see lots of bands. Stand outs for me were Lemon Sun, X-Wife, and probably the best band at South By, the Zico Chain.

Sleep was once my friend. Now it mocks me.

Cool guitar on 6th St. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

Lemon Sun at SXSW photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

X-Wife at SXSW photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

Lions in the Street at the Canada Blast - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

If the analogy fits, use it! Today I do in fact feel like a chicken with its head cut off.

Wednesday marks the start of the music portion of Austin's South by South West Festival. What that means is that everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE, you look there is a band playing, somebody telling you about where some other bands are playing, free BBQ, free swag, scantily clad women, or a vagrant asking you for spare change.

Willy Jak of the Dayglo Abortions - photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

I'm a tired chicken. We've been running the tradeshow booth at the Film/Interactive Festival since Sunday, and going out to shows and movies at night. Generally I hit my blessed pillow around 4:00 am.

I'm a happy chicken though. My belly is full of BBQ from Emo's and the Canada Blast and Pete Townshend is giving the keynote tonight, and Jimmy Vaughn is playing at the Austin Music Awards.

Now if only the rain would stop.

Gotta run....... later.

photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

We were tipped that THE place to be on Tuesday night was La Zona Rosa for the Austin Chronicle's party. We scored some invites and off we went after eating far too much Tex-Mex (The Iron Cactus on 5th street).

La Zona Rosa had the usual free food and free drinks, but my belly full of refried black beans limited me to a strict diet of Guinness.

Seth Rogen. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

Celebrity sightings included Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd. Stars of Jedd Apatow's followup to The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up. I also ran into director Aaron Wolfe. His documentary King Corn was the recipient of a lot of buzz during the festival. I'd actually met Aaron's proud mom on the shuttle from the airport. What a wonderful woman she was.

Louden Wainright III. photo by clint gilders - staff photographer

The "write home moment" was of course Loudon Wainright III's short performance. Loudon, who has several songs featured on the Knocked Up soundtrack, was introduced as a former member of N.W.A. by Seth Rogen. Loudon treated us to his rapier wit, delicious songwriting, and repetoire of grimaces.

Also on the bill were Austin's own What Made Milwaukee Famous and Voxtrot.

Robert Rodriguez and Chingon
Hometown: Austin, Texas
http://www.chingonmusic.com/
Also, Del Castillo, Patricia Vonne

I had my first SXSW party experience tonight. After spending the day manning our booth at the the Interactive and Film tradeshow Jeffb and I headed off in search of a party.

We'd been invited to the ASCAP party at Maggie Mae's so we hiked to 6th Street to see what was happening. Free barbecue was flowing (as I've been told it does at most of the parties) and we of course partook. Brisket, chicken, coleslaw, beans, and beer........ It doesn't get much better than that. My appetite was under control, but I still needed some good live music. An unidentified guitarist was playing at Maggie Mae's, and while a snapped a few shots of him Jeff told me about a party he'd just heard about. One being thrown by film director Robert Rodriguez at Antone`s. Ok, that`s where I wanted to go.

SXSW platinum badges have their benefits. The line outside Antone's was huge, but we were ushered into the club. On stage when we arrived was Rodriguez' sister Patricia Vonne. I wasn't familiar with the hybrid tejano, conjuto, rock, country I heard tonight, but I have become a fan. Patricia is a dynamic frontwoman with tight band backing her up. Patricia was also joined on stage several times by her sister who is an incredible Flamenco dancer, and the legendary saxophonist Johnny Reno.

Following Patricia were Latin rockers Del Castillo. Many of the lyrics were in Spanish and the music had a definite Latin feel, and it had the sound of a polished, pro rock band. Alex Ruiz is a consummate frontman. He's sexy, and cocky, and his vocals were powerful. The del Castillo brothers, Rick and Mark, handle guitar duties in the band, and they impressed the hell out of me. I do love Latin and Flamenco guitar and these boys took us to school with their performance, which peaked as both guitarists played stupid fast tandem lead lines while holding the guitars behind their heads.

After a short break and some equipment changes, del Castillo returned to the stage as Chingon, Robert Rodriguez' badass mariachi band. Rodriguez was now M.C. and third guitar. The setlist was made up of songs from his films. Sadly, the day at the trade show had taken its toll and our backs and feet were crying for mercy only 4 songs into the set. We decide to make our exit and brave the torrential downpour for the 10 block walk back to the car.

This is only the beginning! Three more days of the Interactive/Film Festival, and then it's the music, with the day parties (more free barbecue) and evening showcases. I need to rest up, but I don't see that happening. Stay tuned.