jandek

One Houston music event that has remained consistent over the past few years is the annual KTRU-sponsored free outdoor concert that takes place right in the middle of Rice University, on a stretch of lawn outside of the student center. The lineups over the years have continually drawn a recognizable indie-rock act supported by a wealth of talent. A few of our favorite local acts were set to perform – Buxton and B L A C K I E, to be exact – but due to other plans I couldn't make it to campus until just before the headliner was to take the stage. Upon arrival, I noticed that a significant portion of Houston's music scene was represented, with members of Sideshow Tramps, Wild Moccasins, The Tontons and even a sharply dressed Jandek – who now sems to be somewhat of a scenester after he funked up Houston awhile back – in attendance. They were all there in support of Houston's thriving music scene, but also to check out Washington D.C.'s Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, who were set to close down the day's events.

Read about the show, and check out a bunch of photos and a video after the jump

Have you ever been a part of something so odd and unexpected that you couldn't do anything but sit and stare with a dumbfounded smile on your face? Well, that's how I found myself, surrounded by about two hundred others in the same boat, when reclusive folk artist Jandek took the stage for a Sunday afternoon matinee at Rudyard's in Houston.

Read all about it after the jump

Today the SxSW Music Conference announced their full list of showcasing artists. There are hundreds and hundreds of acts that are going to be making their way to Austin next month for the world renowned multi-media conference. I included the full list after the break for any of you music nerds who need to read every band (like me). For those of you who just want to see some highlights, check out the tags for this post. Also, for all of you Houston readers, I went ahead and bolded all of the bands that are coming from the Bayou City (congrats guys!).

2008 Showcasing Artists for the SxSW Music Conference: