South-by-Southwest Festival: Musical Highlights

SXSW or South-by-Southwest is an interactive film and music festival that is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this year. The festival is held annually in Austin, Texas and this year is one you won't want to miss. Take a look at the musicians that will appear at the SXSW festival this year:

Pete Townshend: Townshend is the lead guitarist for legendary rock band The Who. Pete will give the keynote speech on March 14th, otherwise starting the events of the festival. Pete is well known for his work with The Who as well as his Attic Jams. He will be joined by Rachel Fuller to host an attic jam on March 15^th.

Rickie Lee Jones: Rickie will sit down at SXSW for an interview. She is well known for singing and songwriting and has been in the business since 1979. Jones has had more than 14 albums in the last 20 years and continues to dominate in the music industry. Her new album "Sermon on Exposition Boulevard" is scheduled for release February 6.

Joe Boyd: Joe is a famous record writer and producer. He has produced albums for Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, REM, and 10000 Maniacs. Joe has also compiled music for movies including Clockwork Orange and Deliverance. His new book titled White Bicycles-Making Music in the 1960's recounts his journey through the last 40 years.

Booker T: Booker T of Booker T and the MGs will also appear at the SXSW festival. Booker has recorded with a multitude of famous artists including Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and Barbara Streisand. Booker will be recording this fall for the first time since 1994 and will begin touring when he finishes up.

Emmylou Harris: Gracing the stage since the 60's Emmylou has had countless hits and has spanned numerous genres. In 200 she was awarded a Grammy award for her album Red Dirt Girl and showed she is also a talented songwriter. She has recorded with a number of artists including Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and George Jones.

David Bryne: David will give a talk entitled "Record Labels: Who needs them?" David is an artist and label owner and will discuss the changes occurring within the music market in this digital age.

Terry McBride: McBride is turning heads with his approach to music and will be speaking at SXSW. He has helped launch the careers of Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, and Avril Lavigne. He composes campaigns integrating both digital and traditional ideas.

Gilberto Gil: Gilberto is the minister of culture for Brazil and has released 52 albums including a new one slated to be released in March. His music widely led to a cultural and political movement in Brazil in the 60s.

This year's South-by-Southwest festival is sure to be one of interests throughout the music markets. On top of the speeches there will be many other events worthy of attention as well as demo listening sessions where amateurs can have their music screened by professionals. Mark your calendar for March 14-18 and be sure to head to Austin for the 20^th anniversary of SXSW.