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Thousands of musicians converge to play shows, network, talk about music and the industry, and discover new music at South by Southwest Music in Austin, Texas. In 2016 and 2017, KJZZ's Sarah Ventre followed bands from Arizona and kept an ear out for great new music from around the Southwest.

SXSW draws to a close

Bombino, desert rock guitarist from Niger, performing at SXSW in a world music showcase.
Sarah Ventre/KJZZ
Bombino, desert rock guitarist from Niger, performing at SXSW in a world music showcase.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas comes to a close on Sunday, though you would not know it by walking down the damp city streets. There are still people, bands, and music everywhere.

But on Friday night, the show scheduled for SXSW’s Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake was cancelled due to severe weather, including thunderstorms, lightning, and rain. SXSW tweeted to seek shelter inside at one point.

As things wind down, everyone is getting their last fill of music, and four of the eight Arizona bands that are here are playing in the last two nights. There’s still plenty of energy in the crowds as attendees celebrate the 30th year of SXSW.

Sarah Ventre was a producer for KJZZ's The Show from 2014 to 2018.