It’s nearly spring in austin, which means it’s prime time for bands to swing into town for concerts (er, sounds like the writing of a bad columnist…oh well). Caught Dexter Freebish this past weekend - lots of fun, but the promising spark they had when an indie band has pretty much been dulled out into the usual mainstream standard sound. Disappointing, but not surprising - happily, there are quite a few great people coming by…

• March 12-21 - SXSW04
  Needs no introduction.
• March 17 - Modest Mouse
  Check out the review, says it all.
• March 28 - Keiko Matsui
  Really pleasant and interesting jazz. A few albums are available at the usual place, you’ll just have to listen for a while before getting a good feel for her style.
• March 31 - Vienna Teng
  Thoughtful, intelligent lyrics with well played instrumentals. Check out the link to NPR’s Weekend Edition interview with her (she’s been on NPR more than once, just do a search).
• April 2 - Air
  This one should be interesting, I’m not sure how they’re going to do a concert, but I’ll be finding out. The guys have done the Virgin Suicides soundtrack and have a track on the Lost in Translation soundtrack (fun to listen to, btw) along with their main releases.
• April 25 - Itzhak Perlman
  Also needs no introduction, I hope.

Can’t wait.