On our second-to-last night of South By Southwest, we enjoyed a special showcase celebrating the Greenwich Village folk revolution and music of the 1960s. Hosted by musician Richard Barone, the event featured artists such as Elvis Perkins, Peter Lewis, Joolz Jones, and Johanna Warren covering songs penned by some of the most iconic songwriters of the era.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXeTxg7KeFE
Event curator Richard Barone sat down with us to discuss the Sorrows & Promises showcase and the power of folk music as a unifying force.
Peter Lewis, founding member of '60s rock band Moby Grape, also performed as part of the event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOPKxofi0FQ
Another old friend of NSPR and Songs From Studio C, Portland songwriter Johanna Warren, was also invited to perform at the showcase. After delighting the crowd with her interpretation of songs by Leonard Cohen and Paul Simon, she talked with us about her experience as a first-time performer at SXSW.
After leaving the relaxed atmosphere of the Sorrows & Promises acoustic showcase, we switched gears and caught the high-energy performance of Canadian rock band, Duchess Says.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj43k24eg5M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZFWZQJ4UsY
The last show of the night was arguably the most exciting performance of the entire week. Japanese post-punk rock band Otoboke Beaver dazzled the crowd with their powerful stage presence and flawless musicianship. Coincidentally, we crossed paths with the group earlier in the day and learned about their long journey to the festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkbv05apUp8