KUT at the Four Seasons: Friday, March 16
KUT is hosting some great shows at the Four Seasons during SXSW, AND there is no wristband required for entry. With the shows starting so early, you can count on a more intimate experience than what you might expect from those shows starting later on in the day. Each set is 25 minutes. There is a $10 entry fee with the proceeds going to Seton Shivers Cancer Center. Oh yeah, you also get a breakfast taco and coffee.
Ruthie Foster – 7AM
Austin musician Ruthie Foster is the definition of a vocal powerhouse. She grew up singing in her church’s gospel choir in Gause, Texas, but it wasn’t until her time in the Navy that she began to perform for big crowds and truly realize her own talent. She’s been nationally recognized for her extraordinary talent, earning herself a nomination for the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album in 2009 and a Blues Music Award for Best Female Artist of the Year in 2010. Ruthie Foster’s most recent album, Let it Burn, was released earlier this year to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Ruthie Foster will be at the Four Seasons on Friday at 7am as a part of KUT’s SXSW lineup.
Motopony – 8AM
Seattle four-piece Motopony is one of indie rock’s many testaments to the power of collaboration. Songwriter Daniel Blue and multi-instrumentalist Buddy Ross joined forces after several chance meetings told them that it was time to give in to the fates and work together. Bringing along guitarist Brantley Cady and Forrest Mauvais for the ride, they began to craft some excellent indie rock. Their tracks have melodies that grab you and don’t let you go and lyrics that are both thoughtful and ambitious. Motopony will be a part of KUT’s SXSW lineup at the Four Seasons, you can catch them at 8am on Friday morning.
James Mercer – 8:55AM
Frontman, founding member, and principle songwriter for the Shins, James Mercer has easily become an indie rock household name. Mercer is known for his imaginative and poetic lyrics, both with the Shins, which have been a major player in music since the release of their first album in 2001, and with Broken Bells, his side project with Brian Burton (more popularly known as Danger Mouse). The Shins have a new album coming out, Port of Morrow will be released later this month. James Mercer will make an appearance at KUT’s SXSW lineup at the Four Seasons on Friday morning at 8:55am.
Trampled by Turtles – 9:05am – Friday
Minnesota band Trampled by Turtles plays traditional string instruments (guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle), but takes them and plays them in decidedly non-traditional ways. Their style has all the characteristics of your average bluegrass or folk band, but they play it at uncharacteristically high speeds with uncharacteristically high energy. This wild speed and energy gives them the air and experimental nature of punk band almost. Since their debut in 2003, Trampled by Turtles has released 5 albums, each becoming more popular than the last. Trampled by Turtles will be a part of KUT’s lineup for SXSW this week at the Four Seasons. Come check them out on Friday at 9:05am.
Nneka – 10am – Friday
Some may say that singer and songwriter Nneka Elise Egbunda, known professionally as simply Nneka, came out of nowhere, that her rise to popularity was completely unforeseen. But those who have followed her from the beginning always knew that she would earn the fame she has today. Born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and German mother, she grew up there and at 18 moved to Germany to pursue a musical career. Her determination and drive to succeed in music shows in her highly original and inspired work, a blend of hip-hop and soul music. Nneka is going to be a part of KUT’s SXSW lineup at the Four Seasons this Friday at 10am.
