As Friday approaches, it marks the end of the first work week after Spring Break. So too, Austin traffic has returned to it’s regularly scheduled programming, but not without leaving behind the fond memories of this year’s S.X.S.W. Interactive, Film and Music Festival. This year featured some very prominent individuals, indeed! The keynote speaker for this year was Mr. President Barrack Obama, who opened the S.X.S.W. Interactive section of  the festival. Soon to follow, would be the First Lady, Michelle Obama and the keynote speaker for the music portion of this year’s festival.

During the S.X.S.W. Film festival, there were several ‘silver screen’ star sightings around town including the legendary Mr. Burt Reynolds alongside the classic 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am from the cult classic movie,”Smokey and the Bandit”. Also spotted around town enjoying Austin were Renee Zellweger, Ethan Hawke, Jake Gyllenhaal and others.

The Music Festival highlights kicked off with the Austin Music Awards and a few of my personal favorites winning! First of all, a shout out to Austin’s own local favorites, DANGEROUS TOYS, who were inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, alongside such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughn. GREAT JOB GUYS!!

Also, a shout out to SCORPIO RISING, for taking home an AMA award for BEST EMD/DANCE. Congrats to Madame Scorpio, Armando Eric Reyes and Steve Larson. Just goes to show that dedication and hard work, pay off!  Great work!

Another shout out goes to the 2016 Austin Music Awards BEST GUITARIST, Mr. ULRICH ELLISON !! And also to his band, Ulrich Ellison and TRIBE, for winning the award for Austin’s BEST BLUES/SOUL/FUNK band!! Congrats!!

As always, there were some great live shows this year. THE CULT , played The Moody Theater, staying true to their word and coming back as promised during their their show at Stubbs BBQ . The DEF TONES  played an AWESOME, free gig down at the shores of Auditorium Shores.).
Finally, I would like to congratulate  ALL the Austin Music Award !!!! It makes me proud to live in a city with such dedicated musicians and their fantastic music!! Can’t WAIT to see what’s in store for next year!!!

KEEP ROCKIN’!!!!!💜