Amy Winehouse always had a deep place in my heart. Her voice, man, was a voice unlike anything this side of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. And she dropped bluesy, soulful vox over hip hop beats, all the while singing about sex, life and the attraction to darkness. Plus, unlike the other pop princesses, she wrote her own music.

Amy Winehouse SXSW 2007

Today I was helping friends with a garage sale when we got a text about Amy Winehouse being found dead. Letting the news soak in, we all sort of paused: Her death so faraway in London, it’s hard to process with cicadas singing and the sun beating down. In fact, it didn’t really hit me until I went to the computer and looked up videos of Amy at SXSW 2007. Bringing her back into the context of Austin and connecting her with our fair city, it suddenly felt too close, and the memories came rushing back.

To be honest: The first time I heard her, I thought she was black. But then at SXSW, she was this petite British girl taking the grime and muck of life and transforming it into something beautiful. We watched in awe as she poetically wove the f-word into songs about heartache, drugs and break-up sex. I wondered if this was the way people felt the first time they’d heard the blues greats. So beautiful.

My friend Jon Patillo from Sanctuary Printshop said this about his encounter with Amy Winehouse during SXSW 2007:

Very sad news about Amy Winehouse today. R.I.P.

I had the pleasure of meeting her years ago at SXSW. I had no idea who she was, just another really nice British musician in a tent waiting for the buffet. We chatted about Austin, her hairdo and why Tex-Mex is so good. I had no idea who she was. The next day I saw her picture on the cover of Rolling Stone.

Relive the memories when the star shined bright, eclipsing the Texas sun and captivating us Austinites.

5 Videos of Amy Winehouse at SXSW 2007

[Here's a better version of the above 'Rehab' at Fader Fort from SXSW 2007. It can't be embedded]

Some people may not understand you, Amy, but you amazed and inspired me. You will be missed. Hopefully now you’ve finally found peace.

“I love you much
It’s not enough
You love blow and I love puff
And life is like a pipe
And I’m a tiny penny rolling up the walls inside

“We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to black.”

.

Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us attips@republicofaustin.com.

Want more RoA? Be our friend on Facebook. Add our RSS feed! [what’s that?]. Start your morning with Republic of Austin in your InBox. Or read us 24-7 on Twitter!

Man, SXSW 2011 was mostly a fuster cuff. Long lines, riots and too many a lack of surprise commercial artists led to a bunch of disgruntled and grouchy hipsters. Despite all of the problems happening at official SXSW venues, if you listen to the media (and even SXSW), the unofficial, free parties (and the “hooligans” they attract) are to blame. To force people to buy wristbands/badges make Austin a safer place, SXSW has been shoveling money into the pockets of city council members working through the city to make permitting for these parties more difficult next year.

Well, good citizens of the republic, I’m here today to outline a new solution, one that doesn’t include shutting down the parties that make SXSW great.

6 Simple Steps to make SXSW 2012 AMAZING:

1. Enact Martial Law. This will allow the military to have complete authority–and that includes taking back control from the SXSW mafia.
2. Create an RSVP for the city that closes in mid-February. If you aren’t on the list, sorry.



3. Close all means in and out of the city. This includes roads, boatways and airports. This will help with steps 4 and 5.
4. Cap a maximum, comfortable limit to the number of people within the city center at one time.
5. The city goes into “one in, one out” once the capacity is reached.
6. Issue all residents of the city center a special VIP wristband. These folks wait in a priority line to get back into the city if downtown is at capacity. Once inside, this wristband gets line jumping privileges.

What would YOU do to make SXSW 2012 better?

.

Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

Want more RoA? Be our friend on Facebook. Add our RSS feed! [what’s that?]. Start your morning with Republic of Austin in your InBox. Or read us 24-7 on Twitter!

This year’s SXSW was probably the craziest on record. And for me, the East Side (and especially Cheer Up Charlie’s) was the place to be to see the best street styles. I was particularly impressed with all the bright colors. Loved the folks who drew from the 1930′s or the 1990′s for inspiration. It also felt like more guys were ditching the t-shirts and going with something a little dressier. And ladies, looks like y’all are rocking the pointed nails with some fancy designs.

If you were too busy standing in line or rioting, here are 60 of the freshest looks from SXSW 2011 you may have missed.

Our favorite fashions at SXSW 2011

Click here to see more of our favorite pics of SXSW Street style —->

If you’ve never been to SXSW, let me give you a tip:  You need to get on the FREE party circuit. As anyone who’s been to SXSW knows, all of the beauty and chaos occurs during these events.

Kanye West makes a surprise appearance at the Perez Hilton Party (photo courtesy of The New York Times)

Free food. Free booze. And FREE shows–all without a badge!  But here’s the thing tho: They don’t just let any chump off the street into these free galas. You have to RSVP–and FAST, because once the RSVP closes, that’s it. No entry for you!

We’ll be updating the main page of SXSW Free Party RSVPs regularly, so check back. It’s only gonna get more insane.

I’ve been slammed with hundreds of pitches DAILY for SXSW free parties and RSVPs. After cross-checking with a couple of spreadsheets, I give the best to you.

This may be the last update…my brain can’t take any more. Check our Facebook page with more updates.

Got a party during SXSW? Send us the RSVP and we’ll share the love: tips[at]republicofaustin[dot]com

Major SXSW Party RSVPs

Bass Invasion ATX [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: March 17th – March 20th (Noon-2A)
• LOCATION: SW Corner of 7th and Neches
• RSVP on DO512
• More Info

Mess With Texas (MWTX) [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 19th, 2011, 1130A-??
• LOCATION: East Side Drive-In (E 6th and San Marcos St, 78702)
• RSVP

SXSW Music (March 16th-21th, 2010) Party RSVPs

Brooklyn BBQ-Day+Evening Showcase [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, 11A-2P
• LOCATION: Hotel Vegas (1500 E 6th Street, 78702)
• RSVP on DO512

Trumer Pils Afternoon Social with DVS Shoes and Matix Clothing [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Klub Krucial (614 E 6th Street, 78701)
• RSVP

PENROSE Presents: The WOODROW AVENUE MASSACRE [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, 1P-9.30P
• LOCATION: 5800 Woodrow Ave, 78756  <–up north
• RSVP

Twangfest [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th & Saturday, March 19th, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Jovita’s (1617 S 1st St, 78704)
• RSVP

Mike Galaxy Presents 12th Annual Day Party [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-9P
• LOCATION: Guero’s (412 South Congress Ave, 78704)
• RSVP

Full Metal Texas [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Emo’s (603 Red River, 78701)
• RSVP

Thrasher Magazine’s Texas Style Death Match [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, and Friday, March 18th, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: The Scoot Inn (1308 E 4th St, 78702)
• More Info

Future of Music Fest [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-2A
• LOCATION: Shiner’s Saloon (422 Congress Ave, 78701)
• RSVP on DO512

Prefix Day Party [Added March 16th, 2011] <–nice line-up

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-69
• LOCATION: ND Studios (On Brushy St between E 5th and E 6th, 78702)
• RSVP on DO512

Japan Preview Day Show [Added March 16th, 2011] <–always crazy. 18+

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-3A
• LOCATION: The Grackle (1700 E 6th St, 78702)
• RSVP on DO512

MTV Garage [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-6.30P
• LOCATION: Red River Garage (505 E 9th St, 78701)
• RSVP

DMVINCIBLE  [Added March 16th, 2011] <–Hip-hop; 18+

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, 10.30A-5.30P
• LOCATION: Prague (422 Congress Ave, 78701)
• More Info

Redefine Magazine SXSW Party [Added March 16th, 2011] <–ginormus line-up

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, Noon-11P
• LOCATION: House of Commons (2610 Rio Grande St, 78705) <–West Campus
• More Info

Requiemme Management and Devil Dolls Booking Present [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, Noon-7P
• LOCATION: Aquarium (403 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP on DO512

Craftacular Music Carnivale [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, Noon-8P
• LOCATION: Gypsy Lounge (1504 E 6th St, 78702)
• RSVP

Frenchie Smith Records [Added March 16th, 2011] <—loads of ATX Musique

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, Noon-10P
• LOCATION: Guero’s (1412 South Congress Ave, 78704)
• RSVP

Volcom Entertainment’s 4th (Not So Annual) SXSW FREE BEER PARTY! [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: The Jackalope (404 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Rethink Pop Music [Added March 16th, 2011] <—good smattering of ATX bands

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, Noon-8P & Saturday, March 19th, 2011, 9P-2A
• LOCATION: Friday: Fado (214  W 4th St, 78701) & Saturday: Chupacabra (400 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP (March 18th) RSVP (March 19th)

Big Easy East [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, 11A-MID
• LOCATION: Hotel Vegas (1500 E 6th St, 78704)
• RSVP on DO512

BMI & Billboard present Accoustic Brunch [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, 1030A-130P
• LOCATION: The Four Seasons
• RSVP

(((Detox by Retox))) [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 19th, 2011, 11A-6P
• LOCATION: Valhalla (710 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

SXSnackBar [Added March 16th, 2011] <–Hollywood Gossip’s last show

• DATE: Saturday, March 19th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Snack Bar (1224 South Congress Ave St, 78704)
• RSVP

The Austin Implosion [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 19th, 2011, 8p-2A
• LOCATION: The Longbranch Inn (1133 E 11th St, 78701)
• RSVP

If you’ve never been to SXSW, let me give you a tip:  You need to get on the FREE party circuit. As anyone who’s been to SXSW knows, all of the beauty and chaos occurs during these events.

Kanye West makes a surprise appearance at the Perez Hilton Party (photo courtesy of The New York Times)

Free food. Free booze. And FREE shows–all without a badge!  But here’s the thing tho: They don’t just let any chump off the street into these free galas. You have to RSVP–and FAST, because once the RSVP closes, that’s it. No entry for you!

We’ll be updating the main page of SXSW Free Party RSVPs regularly, so check back. It’s only gonna get more insane.

I’ve been slammed with hundreds of pitches DAILY for SXSW free parties and RSVPs. After cross-checking with a couple of spreadsheets, I give the best to you.

We’ll post more SXSW Music parties tomorrow.

Got a party during SXSW? Send us the RSVP and we’ll share the love: tips[at]republicofaustin[dot]com

Major SXSW Party RSVPs:

Perez Hilton’s One Night in Austin Party SXSW 2011 [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 19th, 2010
• LOCATION: ACL Live (310 2nd St, 78701)
• RSVP

Lose Control III  [Added March 14th, 2011] <–Day/Nite dance party 18+

• DATE: March 16th – March 19th (4P-2A)
• LOCATION: Vice Bar (302 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP
• AFTER HOURS (2A-6A) info here (diff venue. kick-a dance line-up)

Giga Crate  [Added March 14th, 2011]

• DATE: March 16th & 17th (8P-2A)
• LOCATION: Beso Cantina (307B W 5th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Paste Magazine  [Added March 14th, 2011]

• DATE: March 16th & 17th (1130A-8P)
• LOCATION: The Stage on 6th (508 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Threadless presents SXCHI [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: March 16th (3P-2A), 17th & 18th (Noon-2A)
• LOCATION: The Trophy Room (310 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

SXSW Music (March 16th-21th, 2010) Party RSVPs

Southern Hemisphere Sounds: Music From Below The Equator  [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-11.30P
• LOCATION: Aussie’s (306 Barton Springs Rd, 78704)
• RSVP

Synth by Southwest  [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, 6P-2A
• LOCATION: Hotel Vegas (1500 E 6th St, 78705)
• More Info

San Diego invades Austin  [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Lustre Pearl (97 Rainey St, 78702)
• RSVP

Tiger Mountain and Noise Pop [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Lustre Pearl (97 Rainey St, 78702)
• RSVP

Flavorpill + The MuseBox + I Rock I Roll + The Bell House NYC are Austin BFF’s [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: 606 E 7th St, 78701
• RSVP

DC Does Texas [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-530P
• LOCATION: Elysium (711 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Ranch X Chicken Ranch [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: Lovejoys (604 Neches St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Billy Reid & K-Swiss Shindig [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-6P
• LOCATION: The Swan Dive (651 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Storychord SXSW Day Party [Added March 16th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, Noon-530P
• LOCATION: Cheer Up Charlie’s (1104 E 6th St, 78702)
• RSVP

Triple Threat Love Triangle [Added March 16th, 2011] <–Electronic

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, Noon-2A
• LOCATION: Victory Grill (104 E 11 St, 78702)
• More info or RSVP events@switchedonaustin.com

Being a broke lil dillo, I love all the free parties around SXSW. And if the 600+ Facebook shares of our SXSW 2011 Party RSVPs is any indication, y’all love free SXSW parties, too. But you don’t have to hit up ONLY the events sponsored by big brands–many of our own local party peeps have some pretty kick-a line-ups with national and international acts. And if you are into house, hip-hop or electro, you’ll def want to peep these.

Learning Secrets SXSW 2011 Parties

We love these guys with heart and soul. By bringing in SUPER LEGIT, internationally known DJs and electronic artists, they’ve kept this lil dillo’s booty shaking all night long. And if this SXSW line-up is any indication, they’re gonna keep it bouncin ALL NIGHT LONG!! Whispers about the secret guests on Friday night make us think you’ll want to get there EARLY! Check out their Spring 2011 podcast for some block rockin beats.

TUESDAY MARCH 15th
‘SUP Magazine, Learning Secrets, FIXED, and Friends Get Glad & Stay Rad In Austin!
This is a FREE, NO RSVP Required Event Venue Will Reach Capacity.
LOFT 718 (718 Congress Ave) | 10pm – 3am | Complimentary Drinks While Supplies Last
DJ sets from Ian & Jeramy of Learning Secrets, Dave P & JDH of FIXED, and Surprise Special Guests!

———————————

THURSDAY, MARCH 17th
Bond Music Group Official SXSW Showcase Presented by Learning Secrets
This is an OFFICIAL SXSW Event, Badges & Wrist Bands Get Priority. Gen Admin Gets In For $5!.
MALVERDE (400 West 2nd Str) | 8pm – 2am
Classixx | Codebreaker | Punches | The Glass | JDH & Dave P (Fixed) | Jeffrey Jerusalem | Didi from Brazilian Girls | Gun Selectah

———————————

FRIDAY MARCH 18th
Making Time, Learning Secrets, and FIXED Invade The Sailor Jerry House at Shangri La
This is a FREE, NO RSVP Required, 21+ Event!
SHANGRI LA (1016 E 6th) | 8pm – 2am | Presented By Sailor Jerry
Rainbow Arabia- 8:15 | Lesands – 9 | Bikini – 9:45 | Austra – 10:30 | Sun Airway- 11:15
+ TWO HUGE SECRET SPECIAL GUESTS!
(FOLLOW @davidpianka @makingtimeisrad, @learningsecrets, @fixednyc for twitter updates! We might have a secret to tell you.)

Knuckle Rumbler

Knuckle Rmbler have really come of age over the last year. From Big Boi to Big Freedia, these guys have been tearin it up. Their SXSW line-up also includes heavy hitters like Chiddy Bang, Questlove and Big Krit. So man up, do a hit of Charlie Sheen, and pop-lock-and-drop-it with the KR Crew during SXSW at these events:

Friday, March 11: PathCrosser w/ Moxie Presents: Questlove, Theophilus London, God-Des & She and Kid Slyce – RSVP on DO512 - Doors at 8pm

Saturday, March 12: Ning presents: Mogwee Live (Free w/ RSVP) Featuring DJ Premier, Washed Out and more at The Mohawk –  Free with RSVP — Doors at 8pm

March 15, Tuesday – Red Bull BPM Party with Felix Da Housecat and DJ Manny at Republic Live – Text 72855 to RSVP for Free Entry, poster and more info -http://bit.ly/gwJNTZ Doors at 9:30pm [CLOSED]

Wednesday, March 16: My Old Kentucky Blog Presents: Frunk as Duck with STRFKR and more at The Rumbler Lounge — Free beer on the half hour, RSVP on Do512 — Doors at 12pm

March 17, Thursday: Nah Right x The Smoking Section Present: The Grand Ole Party with Big KRIT, Immortal Technique, The Cool Kids and more – RSVP on Do512 –  Doors at 12pm

Thursday, March 17: Ruby Hornet Presents: Closed Sessions ATX Album Release Party with Yelawolf, DJ Babu and more at Peckerhead’s – RSVP at http://www.digitalfreshness.com/ — Doors at 9pm

 

Friday, March 18: My Old Kentucky Blog Presents: The Glitter Taco Smoosh Party at The Rumbler Lounge (Peckerhead’s on 6th) – RSVP on Do512 – Doors at 12pm

Saturday, March 19 — Axis of Audio and Knuckle Rumbler presents: The Greenhornes, A Place To Bury Strangers, Astronautalis + P.O.S., God-Des & She and more at The Rumbler Lounge (Peckerhead’s on 6th) – RSVP on Do512 –  Doors at 12pm

Sunday, March 20 — Sunday Swagger with Bun B, Chiddy Bang, Steve Aoki, Big Sean and more at The East Side Drive In, All Ages — Buy tix – Doors at 11am

March 21, Monday – Sleep, RSVP at www.knucklerumbler.com

.

Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

Want more RoA? Be our friend on Facebook. Add our RSS feed! [what’s that?]. Start your morning with Republic of Austin in your InBox. Or read us 24-7 on Twitter!

 

If you’ve never been to SXSW, let me give you a tip:  You need to get on the FREE party circuit. As anyone who’s been to SXSW knows, all of the beauty and chaos occurs during these events.

Kanye West makes a surprise appearance at the Perez Hilton Party (photo courtesy of The New York Times)

Free food. Free booze. And FREE shows–all without a badge!  But here’s the thing tho: They don’t just let any chump off the street into these free galas. You have to RSVP–and FAST, because once the RSVP closes, that’s it. No entry for you!

We’ll be updating the main page of SXSW Free Party RSVPs regularly, so check back. It’s only gonna get more insane.

I’ve been slammed with hundreds of pitches DAILY for SXSW free parties and RSVPs. After cross-checking with a couple of spreadsheets, I give the best to you.

We’ll post more SXSW Music parties tomorrow or Thursday. Just wanted to get these interactive ones up before they close.

Got a party during SXSW? Send us the RSVP and we’ll share the love: tips[at]republicofaustin[dot]com

Also have to post these two, because they’re gonna be intense.

Two Major SXSW Party RSVPs:

Pure Volume House  [Added March 8th, 2011] <–Late Night madness

• DATE: March 11th – March 20th (Late Night)
• LOCATION: Pure Volume House (504 Trinity St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Fader Fort by Fiat [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: March 16th – March 19th
• LOCATION: 1101 E. 5th Street, 78702
• RSVP

SXSW Interactive (March 11th-15th, 2011) Party RSVPs

Get Down  [Added March 7th, 2011] <–Late Night

• DATE: Sunday March 13th, 2011, 10P-4A
• LOCATION: Pure Volume House (504 Trinity St, 78701)
• RSVP

Best Buzz ‘Appy Hour’  [Added March 8th, 2011] <–open bar

• DATE: Friday, March 11th, 2011, 5P-10P
• LOCATION: The Belmont (305 W 6th, 78701)
• RSVP

Substantial’s SXSW Kickoff Party [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 11th, 2011, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Malverde (400 W 2nd St, 78701)
• RSVP

Tubefiller + ValleyGirl.TV [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Friday, March 11th, 2011, 7P-10P
• LOCATION: Cedar Door (201 Brazos St, 78701)
• RSVP

Ning presents…Mogwee Live [Added March 8th, 2011]  <—great line-up!! (badge req’d)

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: The Mohawk (912 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Good, the Bad and the Thirsty: Bulldog Solutions and Eloqua

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 530P-8P
• LOCATION: Club De Ville (900 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

copyblogger presents an Indelicate Diversion [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 9P-3A
• LOCATION: Beauty Bar (617 W 7th St, 78701)
• RSVP

DigitalFlashNYC presents: Girl Power at the Power Plant [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 7P-11P
• LOCATION: Seaholm Power Plant (214 West Ave, 78701)
• RSVP

Michigan State University SXSW Party [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 7P-830P
• LOCATION: The Belmont (305 W 6th, 78701)
• RSVP

Electronic Artists presents: Art + Film + Innovation [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 4P-6P
• LOCATION: Lamberts (401 W 2nd, 78701)
• RSVP

Domo, Yobongo, Soundtrckr, Who’s Free & Gatsby Want To Buy You a Drink [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2011, 5P-7P
• LOCATION: TenOak (409 Colorado St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Barbarian Group & StumbleUpon present: T.O.S. Violation! [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 7P-2A
• LOCATION: The Mohawk (912 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Do512 Presents: URDB World Records LIVE w/ Bright Light Social Hour [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 6P-9p
• LOCATION: The Highball (1120 S Lamar, 78704)
• RSVP

Fast Society House Party [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 7P-10p
• LOCATION: Big Red Sun (1102 E Cesar Chavez, 78702)
• RSVP

The League of Extraordinary Hackers present by Google [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 1P-2A
• LOCATION: Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave, 78701)
• RSVP

The Search Party [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 8P-MID
• LOCATION: The Hangar Lounge (318 Colorado St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Rocksauce Party [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Red 7 (611 E 7th, 78701)
• RSVP

Vimeo and Nikon present: LIGHT AFTER DARK at SXSW [Added March 8th, 2011] <–great line-up (badge req’d)

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 9P-2A
• LOCATION: Seaholm Power Plant (214 West Ave, 78701)
• RSVP

The Watercooler at SXSW [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 7P-10P
• LOCATION: Beauty Bar (617 E 7th, 78701)
• RSVP

Howdy Texas Happy Hour [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 530P-730P
• LOCATION: Stubb’s BBQ (801 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

Seattle Invades Austin [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Red Fez (209 W 5th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Covert Curiosity and The Reverberation Appreciation Society Present: The Night Beats and more.. <–love this line-up

• DATE: Monday, March 14th, 2011, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Emo’s (603 Red River, 78701)
• RSVP

WIRED Happy Hour at SXSW [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Monday, March 14th, 2011, 5P-7P
• LOCATION: Cedar Door (201 Brazos St, 78701)
• RSVP

Groupon presents Hangover Brunch [Added March 8th, 2011]

• DATE: Monday, March 14th, 2011, 10A-2P
• LOCATION: Iron Cactus (606 Trinity St, 78701)
• RSVP

If you’ve never been to SXSW, let me give you a tip:  You need to get on the FREE party circuit. As anyone who’s been to SXSW knows, all of the beauty and chaos occurs during these events.

Kanye West makes a surprise appearance at the Perez Hilton Party (photo courtesy of The New York Times)

Free food. Free booze. And FREE shows–all without a badge!  But here’s the thing tho: They don’t just let any chump off the street into these free galas. You have to RSVP–and FAST, because once the RSVP closes, that’s it. No entry for you!

I’ve been holding out on posting these until there were enough good ones. Now that FILTER has announced its parties, I think it’s finally time to post.

We’ll be updating the main page of SXSW Free Party RSVPs regularly, so check back. It’s only gonna get more insane.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, Y’all!

Got a party during SXSW? Send us the RSVP and we’ll share the love: tips[at]republicofaustin[dot]com

SXSW Interactive (March 11th-15th, 2011) Party RSVPs

Wiley SXSW 2011 Party [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2010, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Cedar Door (201 Brazos St, 78701)
• RSVP

WordPress Party ar SXSW

• DATE: Saturday, March 12th, 2010, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Elysium (705 Red River, 78701)
• RSVP

Team Android at SXSW [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 7P-11P
• LOCATION: Lustre Pearl (97 Rainey St, 78701)
• RSVP

Milyoni SXSW Most Interesting Party [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 8P-10P
• LOCATION: La Condesa (400 W 2nd St, 78701)
• RSVP

CNET’s Buzz Out Loud

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 6P-9P
• LOCATION: Cedar Street (208 W 4th St, 78701)
• RSVP

PBS and Friends [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 9P-1A
• LOCATION: The Parish (214 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Mashable MashBash SXSWi 2010 [Added Feb 14th, 2011] <—Badge Rq’d

• DATE: Sunday, March 13th, 2011, 10P-1A + Monday Event
• LOCATION: Buffalo Billiards (201 E. 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Village Voice SXSW Interactive Party [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Monday, March 14th, 2011, 10P-2A
• LOCATION: The Paradise Cafe (401 E 6th St, 78701)
• RSVP

From the Mind of Adi Presents… [Added Feb 14th, 2011] <—This one’s gonna be good.

• DATE: Monday, March 14th, 2011, 8P-LATE
• LOCATION: Red 7 (400 E 6th, 78701)
• RSVP

See the World with Gowalla and Matt & Kim [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Monday, March 14th, 9-11P
• LOCATION: The Belmont (305 W 6th, 78701)
• RSVP

SXSW11 Geeky Beach Party [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 15th, 2011, 9P-2A
• LOCATION: Aces Lounge (222 E. 6th, 78701)
• RSVP

SXSW 2011 TechKaraoke [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 15th, 2011, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Six Lounge (117 W 4th, 78701)
• RSVP

Mobile Social SXSW 2011 Bike Power! [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Tuesday, March 15th, 2011, 5P-7P
• LOCATION: Brush Square Park (across from the Convention Center)
• RSVP

Art Disaster No. 12 [Added Feb 14th, 2011] <–Nice Line-up. Good peeps.

• DATE: Tuesday, March 15th, 2011, 8P-2A
• LOCATION: Beauty Bar (617 E 7th, 78701)
• RSVP

South By East Side

• DATE: Tuesday, March 15th, 2011, 2P-MID
• LOCATION: Thunderbird Coffee (2200 Manor, 78722)
• RSVP

SXSW Music (March 16th-21th, 2010) Party RSVPs

British Music at SXSW 2011 <–badge req’d

• DATES: Wednesday, March 16th — Saturday, March 20 (various times)
• LOCATION: Latitude 30 (512 San Jacinto, 78701)
• RSVP

IODA @ SXSW [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, NOON-6P [Added Feb 14th, 2011]
• LOCATION: Emo’s (603 Red River St, 78701)
• RSVP

The Midgetmen’s Texas Jumpstart 4 [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, 11.30A-6.30P
• LOCATION: Hole in the Wall (2538 Guadalupe St, 78705)
• RSVP

Rap Rocks SXSW [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, 1PM-?
• LOCATION: Speakeasy (412 Congress Ave, 78701)
• FREE

anso SXSW Party [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, 11.30A-10P
• LOCATION: Spiderhouse (2908 Fruth, 78705)
• FREE

The Triggermen’s SXSW Drunk Hop Party [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Wednesday, March 16th, 2011, 8P-MID
• LOCATION: The Parlor (100 E North Loop, 78751)
• RSVP

FILTER Magazine’s Culture Collide <–git it. [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATES: Thursday, March 17th; Friday, March 18th; Saturday March 19th, 11A-5P
• LOCATION: Cedar Street (208 W 4th St, 78701)
• RSVP

Dickies and Filter Magazine present Dickies Sounds [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATES: Thursday, March 17th (3p-1A); Friday, March 18th (3P-1A); Saturday, March 20th (2P-6P)
• LOCATION: Lustre Pearl (97 Rainey St, 78701)
• RSVP

Village Voice Showdown at SXSW 2011 [Added Feb 14th, 2011]

• DATE: Thursday, March 17th, 2011, NOON-5P
• LOCATION: Austin Music Hall (208 Nueces St, 78701)
• FREE – First Come First Served <—Get there EARLY

Broken Teeth Unofficial SXSW 2011 Showcase

• DATE: Friday, March 18th, 2011, NOON-7P
• LOCATION: Silhouette (718 Congress Ave, 78701)
• RSVP

.
Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

Want more RoA? Be our friend on Facebook. Add our RSS feed! [what’s that?]. Start your morning with Republic of Austin in your InBox. Or read us 24-7 on Twitter!

SXSW is an orgy of the senses. Your ears hear more music than you can handle. And if you’re into people watching, your eyes feast on an endless buffet of humanity. Since I love snapping pictures of people, here are my favorite folks from SXSW 2010.

Did we miss an outfit you thought was borderline amazing, post it to our Facebook fanpage!

Our favorite fashions at SXSW 2010

Click here to see more of our favorite pics of SXSW Street style —->

Like what you see? Add our RSS feed! [what’s that?]. Or start your morning with Republic of Austin in your InBox! Or read us 24-7 on Twitter!

You know that feeling when you hear about something and you want to SHOUT it from the rooftops for everyone to hear?  Well, that’s how I feel about this new online piggy bank/social media tool/cool new concept called SmartyPig.com.

During SXSW Interactive, I had the opportunity to sit down with SmartyPig.com CEO Bob Weinschenk and co-founders Mike Ferrari and Jon Gaskell.  Cool and down-to-earth, they’re nothing like the stereotypical Wall Street guys we’ve all learned to hate. They really sold me on their concept of being able to set up a savings goal that I could share with my family and friends, allowing them to track my progress, cheer me on and contribute.  With consumer interests their top priority, they want to encourage good spending and saving habits.

My heart just melted a little bit…

After hearing about SmartyPig, I immediately thought about my 10-year wedding anniversary with my husband coming up next year.  We had already planned on taking a vacation to celebrate, and if we want to do it without credit cards, we have to start saving now. With that in mind, I created a SmartyPig account, set up the goal, and began making small transfers from my checking account into my Smarty Pig account once every two weeks, on pay day when I know the money will definitely be there.

To help push towards my goal, I think about how excited my husband and I will be next year, relaxing on our anniversary, enjoying each others’ company, and knowing that the only thing waiting for us when we get back is our kids – and not a credit card bill. That will be such a GREAT feeling.

Here’s my SmartyPig goal. Feel free to follow my progress here or click the link to learn more!

WATCH: In the 5-minute interview, the founders tell me how to be a a SmartyPig by teaching me why it’s an alternative to traditional savings accounts. They even help me cut my credit cards!

COMMENT: What are some big goals that you want to save for? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook discussion page. Let’s do it together!