I've been remiss in wrapping up my SXSW story. The final night, Saturday, I went the mellow route. Started at the Texas Union Theatre (on the UT campus) to see Will Taylor and Strings Attached, featuring Sara Hickman, Patrice Pike, Eliza Gilkyson, Slaid Cleaves, Guy Forsyth, Michael Fracasso, Kellye Gray, and Abra Moore. I was hoping to catch Staid Cleaves, but I saw only Sara Hickman and Abra Moore, both of whom were multi-talented and put on delightful performances. Strings attached backed up these musicians with great skill and grace, as expected - all excellent acoustic instrumentalists.

After that show, I got called home - on this day 4, I had finally overstayed my home front absence. So back outside loop 360 I went. Until, around 12:30, with the sleepover phone call fielded and all fronts quiet, I headed back out for one final fling. Not to see some new band from wherever, but instead a reunion with one I know well, making the rounds one again after a long hiatus: Camper Van Beethoven at La Zona Rosa. Cool show. Nothing new. Truly classic. A nice finish. Almost....

Sunday, I had to go to the final Softball Tournament and BBQ for the SXSW volunteer crew and other badge holders. Well attended, there were at least three games going on at the same time. I brought the kids and piled my plate high with fare from Ruby's Barbeque & Catering Co. Excellent! Ribs and brisket done right. And the vegetarian jambalaya was terrific. Saw a number of friends I had met working the festival. A great SXSW conclusion.