SXSW 2010, THURSDAY, MARCH 18 >>>

A marching band just passed by my wobbly table inside the Austin Convention Center. It's 1:56 p.m. - Tacoma time - and I've already had three drinks. Hipness and mustaches are everywhere.

In other words, SXSW 2010 is in full effect.

After arriving in Austin last night and making our way to the hotel - which is anywhere but right downtown - we woke up this morning a bit jetlagged, but energized by the prospect of Texas sun and Texas hospitality, which at SXSW (if you're a badge holder, anyway), means gobs and gobs of free drinks, T-shirts, CDs, stickers and guitar picks - among other things. There are probably even free drugs around here somewhere, but I have yet to find them. Perhaps at tonight's Stone Temple Pilots show?

For those playing at home, here's how today's Weekly Volcano SXSW 2010 itinerary is shaping up. (Note: Plans are subject to change as I consume more and more alcohol.)

BIG WHEEL STUNT SHOW: The Tacoma rockers play the "Whoops Party" at Trophy's tonight at 9:30 p.m. Austin time. If all goes as planned, I'll be catching the Big Wheel Stunt Show set and reporting back. Although, if I get so drunk that I end up face down in a pool of Lone Star Beer on some Texas barstool, luckily the band has several more SXSW appearances lined up.

DR. DOG: If you follow all things hip, you know Dr. Dog definitely fits the bill right now. The Philadelphia indie rock group has two shows lined up today, and the Weekly Volcano will be at one of them - either in a little over an hour inside the Austin Convention Center, or later tonight at Lustre Pearl. Will we be cool enough to fit in? The odds aren't good - but we'll give it a go anyway.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS: I'm torn on this one. When hunkered down at a total music spectacle/orgy like SXSW, one should not waste their time on has-beens. There's simply too much going on, and your time is more valuable than that. Still, STP holds a warm, gooey, early ‘90s space in my guilty-pleasure-loving heart - and there's just something about the band's return to the stage after so many years that seems intriguing - in a "I wonder if Scott Weiland will be all drugged out?" sort of way. Plus, word on the street is Robby Krieger of the Doors will be joining Weiland and Co. on stage. Should I take a shot on this show? I'm taking votes below. ...

ADAM GREEN: The former Moldy Peach is in Austin (so is Kimya Dawson, by the way - though they're unrelated appearances) - and I've been moderately enamored by the singer/songwriter since seeing the Peaches open for the Strokes at the Temple Theater back in the day (yes, that happened). STP may be a tossup, but Green seems like a no-brainer - especially toting a new record.

JAGUAR LOVE: With the Cave Singers also in town, the opportunity to see just about ever former member of Pretty Girls Make Graves is abound. We'll start with Jaguar Love, featuring not only members of Pretty Girls, but also (of course) former members of The Blood Brothers, tonight at Habana Calle 6. Hitting the stage at 1 a.m., it should be quite a nightcap.

LINK: Matt's SXSW photos from Thursday, March 18