Night 2 at SXSW: The VANS Showcase

Yesterday was our Official SxSW Vans Showcase. Let me tell you, it was mental. We had our party at Emo's in the middle of all the St. Patty's Day chaos and hit capacity really quick. I couldn't believe the line to get in...well considering the line up, maybe I could!

First up we had Goons of Doom. This set was so fun and I appreciate the gnarly sweaters. In the middle of the show, one of the guys jumped into the crowd fake-swimming while another fake-swam around him like a shark to the Jaws theme. My favorite part was this little kid trying to attack him with a toy dinosaur while he was on the floor- haha. Give these guys a listen because any band playing a tambourine in 2010 is worth it.

Following we had Year Long Disaster. I hadn't heard much from these guys until the show and I totally dug them. Simple 3 piece and super throw back. I got a chance to talk to Rich, the bassist, before the set who talked about AC/DC and Motorhead being his favorite bands. You can tell these guys are so into it.

Now up until last night, I had only heard about Mariachi El Bronx. I think I was most excited to see this all night. It's The Bronx, right? But it's totally just mariachi style. Outfits and everything. It is the absolute best. And Matt, frontman for the group, looked SO stoked the whole time they played! The crowd was dancing around and just gave an awesome response. We talked about them playing my wedding. Let's hope they are available...haha

Dillinger Escape Plan were next. Um. I can't even describe this insanity in this show. I first watched DEP in college a few years ago and this is just like...on a whole other level. All I can say is they are totally going to be the band to look for on Warped this summer. I met up with the guys later and they are totally ready to melt your face on the tour.

Some how, and I think only by sheer wizardry, the entire crowd changed for NAS and Damian Marley. I'm pretty sure this is what made our showcase the talk of the night. So much, in fact, that Matthew freaking McConaughey stood next to Kurt and watched. Anyway, the set was one of those you know you are lucky to be watching. I mean...it's Damian Marley and NAS for crying out loud.

We closed up our showcase with headliners She Wants Revenge. Just awesome, down to earth guys and such a solid show. I love those bands that you just can't fit into a genre, ya know? It means they are doing something different. If you haven't checked out their latest EP, do it.

The showcase, to sum it up, was effin' sweet. And that's all there is to it. I know how hard everyone at Vans works to get stuff like this together, and being able to enjoy something that my friends and co-workers accomplished makes me not only proud, but thankful to be a part of it. ::queue heart-warming music::. A fantastic time was had by all...and we are still have days left to go!

ALL PHOTOS FROM THE SET



VIDEO RECAP OF THE NIGHT