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    10 Cardinal rules

    First time at SXSW? Follow this survivor's guide — you may find a cool concert or meet your mate

    Catarina Cron
    Catarina Cron
    Mar 12, 2013 | 10:56 am

    It’s the time of year that serious music fans look forward to: SXSW Music starts Tuesday and runs through Sunday. The festival is in its 27th year and I’ve been attending for at least seven of them.

    I love the festival because it utilizes so many venues all over Austin and caters to diverse musical tastes. You can see bands from all over the world with styles ranging from folk, to indie, to hip hop, rap, punk, pop or rock. It’s a phenomenal chance to enjoy a lot of music and discover new bands.

    I once stumbled upon an unannounced Snoop Dogg show at a warehouse. I can’t remember who I was on the way to see, but I sure remember that Snoop show.

    But since the festival continues to grow every year, it can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor. With that in mind, I've compiled some useful tips I’ve picked up along the way to help maximize the time spent seeing bands and get the most out of the experience.

    1. Sit whenever possible

    I can’t stress this enough. You will be on your feet for hours, so if you have the opportunity to sit you should rest your legs. If you are standing in a line that is going absolutely nowhere then take a seat. Your legs will thank you later.

    2. Get there early

    If there is a band you really want to see it’s worth it to get there early. If there is a buzz about a band, the long line to get in will reflect it. I have gone to some amazing shows and walked right in because I got there before the line became impossible.

    3. Don’t worry about seeing big name bands

    Unless it’s your favorite band or a show you just can’t miss, don’t worry about seeing the big name bands that come in because you are going to miss the opportunity to see a band at a small venue that will be a big name in the future. A friend of mine saw The Black Keys at a small venue while operating under this theory. How awesome would that have been?

    One of my best friends and partner in SXSW crime met her significant other at the festival one year. They are getting married in July.

    4. Drink lots of water and pace yourself

    Dehydrated people are tired people. It is entirely possible to see 14 hours of bands in one day. There is free alcohol everywhere. If you don’t pace yourself and hydrate frequently you will miss some great music. Do you really want to be the person who missed an epic show because you overindulged?

    5. Wear comfortable shoes

    You will be walking and standing a lot. I normally am a fan of impractical footwear but not at SXSW. I break out the Toms and don’t worry about my 5-inch heels.

    6. Ride your bike

    It’s impossible to park or drive in Austin during SXSW. The best way to get around is by bicycle. There are several places available to rent bikes during the festival and Austin is a bicycle friendly city.

    7. Be flexible about your schedule

    This is super important. I spend a good deal of time researching bands and preparing a schedule of bands I want to see, but if you are inflexible about your schedule you will miss some amazing experiences. I was once heading from one show to another and stumbled upon an unannounced Snoop Dogg show at a warehouse. I can’t remember who I was on the way to see, but I sure remember that Snoop show.

    I have gone to some amazing shows and walked right in because I got there before the line became impossible.

    8. Use social media and carry your charger with you

    People at SXSW love to tweet their whereabouts and to check in on Foursquare. There are also a lot of places that offer cool stuff if you check in. This is a must-do because a lot of the good parties and shows are word-of-mouth. Also, it’s a good idea to carry your phone charger with you. A lot of places will have charging stations but you don’t want to be disconnected from the people on social media who are dying to tell you where the party is at!

    9. Make friends

    This is a good rule for life in general, but especially true at SXSW. You never know who is standing next to you or what inside info they have on who is playing where. Also, one of my best friends and partner in SXSW crime met her significant other at the festival one year. They are getting married in July.

    10. Be patient

    You will be dealing with a lot of lines and a lot of people trying to see the same shows as you. This requires a good deal of patience. It’s worth it, trust me.

    SXSW Music runs March 12-17; be prepared for the unexpected.

    austin photo: news_matt_tina eisenberg
      
    Photo by Matt McGinnis
    SXSW Music runs March 12-17; be prepared for the unexpected.
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    (BEAVER) NUGGETS OF WISDOM

    Buc-ee's new children's book sends the beaver to his first day of school

    Brandon Watson
    Jul 1, 2025 | 5:30 pm
    2024 CMT Music Awards - Red Carpet
    Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for CMT
    Buc-ee's has released its first children's book.

    Since it opened its first Lake Jackson store in 1982, Buc-ee’s has dabbled in jewelry, plushies, and charcuterie boards. Now, the convenience store giant is dipping its toes into kid lit with the publication of its first children’s book, Buc-ee Goes to School.

    The gas station chain is debuting the volume to coincide with the openings of two out-of-state stores, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and Brunswick, Georgia. Author Katherine Alpin is a first-time author, says a press release.

    Although the release does not dig into her biography, Alpin is not an emerging talent plucked from obscurity. She is the daughter of Buc-ee’s founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III and no doubt knows the titular character better than most.

    The release does not cover particular plot points, only sharing that it involves the “iconic beaver embarking on a fun and heartwarming first day of school.” Presumably, the spunky rodent will not encounter any more pressing problems than a broken pencil. Still, it’s an opportunity to teach the kiddos about capitalism.

    Buc-ee Goes to School was initially released in Brunswick on July 1 and Rockingham County on June 30. A wider release in the upcoming weeks will bring the book to Houston-area stores, including those in Katy, Baytown, and Texas City.

    The story is not yet available on Buc-ee’s online store, but plenty of new arrivals have landed. New this season are Day-Glo aqua socks, soak-and-toss water discs, and a beaded pouch that can be carried to PTA meetings.

    Only time will tell if Buc-ee will continue his adventures by going to college, pledging a frat, or landing a thankless internship. We wish him well as he continues his matriculation.

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