Yeah, I know, the music part of South by Southwest doesn't really begin until next Wednesday (though the film part begins today). In all my years, I've never been to the festival, not because it was too expensive (which it is) or because it interferes with my "real job" (which it does, though I's gets vacation too, massa). The reason I've never gone is because it sounds like such a hassle -- waiting to get into the clubs only to miss the act you wanted to see, then dashing down 6th St. to the next club so you can get into the queue to get inside. And so on. I'm sure it's more fun than that. What I've never understood, though, is people who go all the way to SXSW and then watch either Omaha/Lincoln bands or touring bands that come through here all the time. What's the point of that? (I know, I know... you're lending support in their time of need...).

Anyway, it's becoming a tradition that the weekend before SXSW brings some of the best shows to Omaha as the bands make their way to Austin. This year is no exception. We have four solid nights of good shows right here in river city.

It starts tonight with Ester Drang, The Minus Story and GO! Motion at Sokol Underground. You've already read about Ester Drang (here). Lawrence's The Minus Story came through Omaha last November. Here's what I said about that show:

I have no idea who GO! Motion is. $8, 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, there's a four-band bill tonight at O'Leaver's featuring Omaha's Latitude Longitude, Denver's The Photo Atlas, Billings Montana's 1090 Club and Jake Bellows of Neva Dinova/Cocoon fame. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday night brings some big decisions:

-- Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins are performing at The Scottish Rites Hall with Jonathan Rice and Whispertown 2000. This show is SOLD OUT.
-- Meanwhile, down at Sokol Underground, Criteria takes the stage (on their way to SXSW) along with Thunderbirds Are Now! and Rahim. NYC trio Rahim are on French Kiss Records (home of The Hold Steady, Les Savy Fav, etc.). I've been listening to their new release, Ideal Lives, for a few weeks. Reminds me of laid-back Gang of Four, sort of. Very cool. $7, 9 p.m.

Sunday night, decisions are geographic in nature:

-- At Sokol Underground, it's the return of Of Montreal with Saturday Looks Good to Me. Not much buzz about this show, probably because it's been overshadowed by everything else going on this weekend. $10, 9 p.m.
-- Meanwhile, at Duffy's in Lincoln, you have The Heavenly States with The Floating Opera and Hockey Night. The Heavenly States just played O'Leaver's last October. Here's what I said about that show:

If you're in Lincoln, don't miss this show. 9 p.m. $5 (cheap!).

We're not done yet. Because Monday night there's a great show at O'Leaver's. Seattle's Slender Means takes the stage with Landing on the Moon and Le Beat. Slender Means records on Mt. Fuji (home of Little Brazil and The Cops) and sports a laid-back indie vibe and a lead singer with a smooth set of pipes. $5, 9 p.m.

After writing all that, I'm almost too exhausted to go out! Look for live reviews online this weekend.

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