1. For some reason all of the stores at the Austin airport have bankers hours and seem to be closed after dark. So forget grabbing a quick cup of coffee or a snack (if you’re the type who likes to head straight from the plane to the party).

2. It’s about $25 to take a cab from the airport to downtown. It’s a one dollar to take the Austin Flyer (the local bus). The express bus picks up on the baggage level, one-stop the entire way until downtown. From the taxicab area, walk 25 yards directly to the right, you’ll see the sign. Plus it’s not even really a bus… it’s more like a pretty trolley.

3. If you’re unlucky enough to be staying at a hotel near the airport, make sure you get the cell phone of the taxi driver who brings you there. Taxicabs are nearly impossible to hail during SxSW. But if you have the celly of your guy, you can make him your bitch all week.

4. Make friends with someone staying at the Omni. There’s a hot tub on the roof if you can grab 10 minutes to soak your feet (which will be throbbing from standing on cement all day). It’s worth it. Plus, killer view.

5. Don’t bother making any plans until you get here. Everything changes minute to minute. Flexibility is key. Make sure you’re comfortable ditching your friends if need be.

When you get here, find me:

@ THE iNSIDERS NETWORK Showcase:

Thursday March 18, 12P – 5P, 204 E. 6th St. (BD Riley’s)

Lineup: Karl Mullen, Seth Glier, Steve Poltz, Robert Deeble, Michael Miller, Roman Candle

Also, I’ll be on the SxSW Music Panel “From the Stage – An Artist’s Perspective,” discussing life in the digi-age:
Wednesday March 17, 3:30P – 4:30P, Convention Center