Bands to Catch at SXSW 2011: Imaginary Cities, The Jezabels, Manatee

Imaginary Cities

Formed in late 2009 by Dana Matyas (Waking Eyes) and Marti Sarbit one of the Canada’s most original sounding female vocalists. Imaginary Cities is based out of Winnipeg Canada, the home of the Weakerthans, the launching point for Neil Young, Bachman-Turner Overdrive,The Guess Who. Imaginary Cities are a fitting next generation in this music rich city know as the Chicago of the North, drawing on midwestern pop-rock influences and a love of old school Motown soul. Traveling across the continent to Austin, TX, Imaginary Cities are taking their talent to SXSW

03.16.11 12pm South By Soup Festival Caritas of Austin Community Kitchen (611 Neches) Austin, TX
03.16.11 3pm Canadian Blast (Brush Square Park E. 5th & Neches) Austin, TX
03.17.11 Canada House Showcase at Paradise Cafe (401 East 6th Street) Austin, TX
03.17.11 10pm Manitoba Music Showcase at The Parish Underground (214 East 6th Street) Austin, TX
03.18.11 3.55pm BMI Music Showcase at the Cedar Door (201 Brazos Street – aka The Music Lounge) Austin, TX

The Jezabels

Jezabels

Australian band, The Jezabels’ new EP, Dark Storm is the third and final release in a trilogy of EPs that began with 2009’s The Man Is Dead, its five songs represent the band’s most confident outing to date – moody, mysterious and epic, yet buzzing with the quartet’s ever-present knack for an irresistible pop hook. Not that writing it was an easy process. The Jezabels are heading stateside to play their American tour with SXSW in March.

03.16.11 2:10 PM Empire Automotive (Eventbrite/The Wild Honey Pie) Austin, TX
03.16.11 5:00 PM Austin or Bust at The Mohawk (Windish/Laneway/Eat Your Own Ears/Austinist) Austin, TX
03.17.11 4:45 PM The Factory (The Sessions Party) Austin, TX
03.17.11 9:15 PM Cheer Up Charlies (KVRX) Austin, TX
03.18.11 5:00 PM Maggie Mae’s (Sonicbids/Planetary) Austin, TX
03.19.11 11:00 PM Maggie Mae’s Rooftop Stage (Sounds Australia/The Aussie BBQ Official Showcase) Austin, TX


Manatee

Manatee

This four piece band out of Oakland, California has self-released a debut album;  playing with the likes of Audrye Sessions, The Soft White Sixties, and Mister Loveless. The band is currently at work on pre-production for their sophomore release and booking a winter 2011 tour. Manatee will take the show on the road from January through March and make an appearance in Austin, Texas for 2011’s SXSW festival.

03.17.11 3:00 PM Snack Bar 2011 (Unofficial) SXSW Party Austin, TX
03.18.11 6:00 PM The Parlor (Unofficial) SXSW Party Austin, TX
03.18.11 12:00 AM Bar 96 (Deadbird Records’ “Big Eraser” Unofficial SXSW Showcase) Austin, TX
03.19.11 Mellow Mushroom’s (Unofficial) SXSW Saturday Night Austin, TX