More SXSW Goodness: Catch The Listen Global, Act Local Showcase

Last week, we told you about 10 Unmissable International Acts at 2014 and yesterday we told you about 4 Korean Bands Taking Over Texas. Today, we’re highlighting a special showcase of artists, mostly from the Americas, who are uniquely globally-attuned and are also trying to highlight Austin’s diverse roots.

The Listen Global, Act Local Showcase, taking place on March 14, has a roster packed with MTV Iggy favorites like A Tribe Called Red, Los Rakas, Zuzuka Poderosa, The GTW, World Hood, and Atropolis. Other dope featured acts include Buscabulla, Las Krudas, El Indio, Sonora, DJ Orion, Canyon Cody, Olmeca, Scatter Their Own, DJ PreColumbian, Dre-T, Luke Tailor, Irene Diaz, and other special guests (Ana Tijoux?). The bevy of acts with Latin American, Caribbean, indigenous American, and African roots is reason enough to go alone, but there’s more to the program’s purpose.

It’s aim is to combine programming related to arts, culture, and activism set in a legendary Austin venue. The setting, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, is named after the famous East Austin jazz trumpeter and is run by Austin’s DiverseArts Culture Works. Ancillary activities include an art exhibit, local artisan vendors, BBQ and a vegan food truck, and a non-GMO seed giveaway.

Sol Collective‘s Estrella Hood & Conrazón‘s Natalia Linares put together the showcase, which is now in its third year. Linares described the evolution of the event as a “self-watering thing by now that’s blossomed into something special.” She also described feeling lucky to have access to Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, saying, “We get to have this sacred ground. Sometimes walking around SXSW it’s easy to forget these real, deep roots that Austin has with black music.”

Listen Global, Act Local is from 2pm-12am on Friday, March 14 at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, 1104 East 11th Street. Austin, TX 78702.