SXSW: Your Guide to World Music

Posted by Lisa A. Walker in Travel with Heart on March 10, 2014

The Texas capital will be welcoming bands from all over the world this week. Find out where to see them. (Photograph by Lisa Walker)

The countdown to the music portion of Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival has begun.

I, for one, cannot wait to head down for that warm southern sunshine, delicious Tex-Mex food, and most importantly–tons of live performances. And by tons I mean there are more than 2,000 acts performing at more than a hundred venues across Austin in less than a week’s time.

Mexican-American legend Alejandro Escovedo, seen here performing at SXSW in 2013, will be making a repeat appearance this year (Photograph by Lisa Walker)

SXSW is known for being a launchpad for American performers such as John Mayer and the Polyphonic Spree, but each year, the lineup seems to feature more and more international acts.

It may be a music lover’s dream, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.

If you’re heading to Texas tickets in hand or simply looking for some hot new leads, here’s our guide to world music at SXSW:

> Rock Paper Scissors World Music Showcase

When: Saturday, March 15, starting at 8 p.m.
Where: Russian House

This showcase lineup includes Israeli singer-songwriter Dudu Tassa, Netherlands group K i T (Kuenta i Tambú), and Canadian DJ crew A Tribe Called Red.

> globalFEST at SXSW

When: Friday, March 14
Where: Speakeasy (412 Congress Avenue)

Tuareg “desert blues” band Terakaft performing at SXSW in 2013 (Photograph by Lisa Walker)

Check out this free showcase featuring Latin mambo big band Sergio Mendoza y La Orkesta and Tinariwen, desert rockers from Mali who have become a festival favorite.