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I have lived in Austin for quite a while now - I came here for college and never left. In all of that time, though, I've never gotten a SxSW wristband or badge. Part of that is due to frugality -- I can't see spending that much money for even a wristband when we've got live music here all year -- and another part is due to the fact that I just don't like crowds.

One of my biggest reasons, though, was the smoke. It continues to amaze me how much people like to smoke in venues - and that bands would continue to perform in those conditions, knowing how terrible the smoke is for their voices. The one and only time I went to a SxSW event (the first year I was old enough to drink!) I wheezed for three days afterward. Now, however, Austin has a fully non-smoking environment. Finally, I can go out and enjoy myself and not come home reeking like a two-dollar hooker. Well, unless someone spills their beer on me, I guess (or unless I drop my camera in my beer and have to use my sweater for a quick mop up - see yesterday's note).

Last night's show was absolutely amazing, and oh so much better than the times that I used to go see the Spankers at Antone's, where the smoke was so thick you would have sworn the fog machine was permanently stuck on high. The one thing that could have improved the experience for me would be if Guy had shown up as well. Ah well, it's still April at my house. Heh.