SXSW Attendees Greeted with Live Music at Airport

In the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World," it was no shock that even Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is filled with tunes. For people flying in for SXSW, the live performances begin right after landing.

The interactive portion of the South by Southwest festival wraps up on Tuesday. The film festival is still going on, as it runs through Saturday. However, the music portion kicks off on Wednesday and runs through Sunday, but bands are already flocking into town.

"I think it's amazing for a place, the moment you step out of the plane, there's already live music," said Singapore musician Inch Chua. "That really says something. I'm hoping to absorb everything, every single minute. I'm going to enjoy the panels as well as check out all of the bands from all over the world."

Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson helped kick off the musical welcome with the Marshall Ford Swing Band at his own Ray Benson's Roadhouse in the airport.

"What happens with SXSW, is the world comes to Austin, and I hope they all come away with what this town's about and the creativity of this town," said Benson.

Live music performances are nothing new for the airport as about 11 bands perform each week. But, during SXSW, that number doubles for the thousands of additional passengers coming into Austin's airport.

The street closures continue for SXSW. Fifth and Seventh streets from Brazos Street to Interstate 35 will be closed starting Wednesday at 5 a.m. The same goes for Red River Street from Fifth to 10th streets and a portion of Ninth Street, as well. Sixth Street will be shut down from Brazos Street to Interstate 35 starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, except during morning rush hour on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The city will open Sixth Street from 6 to 10 p.m. on those days to let morning commuters get through. All roads will open back up on Sunday morning.

This story appears courtesy of KXAN.com

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