SXSW Report

LOBBYING AT SXSW: Another of our undercover reporters in Austin, Golda, files the following report: First thing we see as we arrive at the Four Seasons for an early breakfast is ex- Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo performing for the same KGSR gig where red-hot hometown boys Alpha Rev kicked some Texas ass. Among the revelers was San Francisco philanthropist and the man behind the annual, free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, with his band the Wronglers in tow. Huddled in another corner were WFUV's fabulous Rita Houston, Austin princess Kelly Willis, publicity maven Joan Myers and KPFA’s legendary Bonnie Simmons, celebrating her 40th year in radio and new post as head of the Bill Graham Foundation. Next up, the Guitartown/Conqueroo party, where we got to hear the incredible Sharon Jones and Colin Gilmore, son of Jimmy Dale, then commiserated with longtime rock scribe John Swenson and Cary Baker as the news of Alex Chilton's death made its way through Austin on day one. (3/18p)