Noise Damage » SXSW 2010: Delta Spirit at Cedar Street Courtyard

San Diego, California’s Delta Spirit (Matthew Vasquez on vocals/guitar, Sean Walker on guitar, Kelly Winrich on keys, Jon Jameson on bass, Brandon Young on drums) performing at Cedar Street Courtyard in Austin, Texas as part of Filter Magazine, American Rag and vTech’s Showdown at Cedar Street official SXSW show.

More photos, words and tour dates after the jump!

On the 19th I wasn’t quite sure where to start. The sheer number of shows going on around town were overwhelming and I was in the mood to pick one big show and check it out, if only to see the ebb and flow of a big SXSW day show. Cedar Street won out for their early Delta Spirit set and I figured I’d roll down and check it out. I first saw Delta Spirit opening for Nada Surf in late ’08 and they really impressed me with their blusey rock that sometimes bordered on anthemic. Yeah, had to check them out again. I ripped the bicycle off my car rack and rode the mile or so to Cedar Street, unsure of what to expect when I got there.

Busy doesn’t begin to describe the scene. The wristbandless were waiting almost an hour in a line around the block to get in and even those with wristbands had to wait quite awhile. Kids were perched on the public art and people milled about outside struggling for a glimpse of the stage far in the distance, obscured by bushes and a tree or two. As I was about to give up, listening to Band of Skulls play a killer set from the street, I wandered into the restaurant next door (Saba Cafe) hoping to at least grab a bite to eat while trying to get a good vantage point for the show.

To say I was surprised when I found myself perched up high with a VIP view would be an understatement. Granted, the music was mostly muddy low-end and percussion coming through the double-pane window, but I could press up close and hear pretty well. I didn’t have to deal with the crowd of photographers downstairs and didn’t have to deal with getting VIP access upstairs across the way – which was very nice. I also had an awesome salad, some fish tacos, a mojito and air conditioning! Not free but worth it after two days of scrambling around in the sun. :)

So, about Delta Spirit. They kicked ass. I did find myself pining for a sweet spot down in the front of the crowd but, alas, I would’ve had to skip breakfast and get there exceptionally early for that privilege. I’m definitely going to go out of my way to catch these guys again when they come through Minneapolis!

Delta Spirit is on tour this Summer! They’ll be at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis on 6/18 for what promises to be an awesome show.

Daytrotter Barnstormer Shows:

Apr 27 2010: Daytrotter Barnstormer III: Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn, West Liberty, Iowa
Apr 28 2010: Daytrotter Barnstormer III: Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 29 2010: Daytrotter Barnstormer III: N1204 S. Hwy 120, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Apr 30 2010: Daytrotter Barnstormer III: Kalyx Center, Monticello, Illinois
May 1 2010: Daytrotter Barnstormer III: Codfish Hollow Barn, Maquoketa, Iowa

Summer US/Canada Tour:

Jun 8 2010: Belly Up, Solana Beach, California
Jun 9 2010: The Independent, San Francisco, California
Jun 10 2010: Doug Fir. Portland, Oregon
Jun 11 2010: Neumo’s, Seattle, Washington
Jun 12 2010: The Venue. Vancouver, British Columbia
Jun 14 2010: Neurolux. Boise, Idaho
Jun 15 2010: Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, Utah
Jun 16 2010: Bluebird Theatre, Denver, Colorado
Jun 17 2010: Waiting Room, Omaha, Nebraska
Jun 18 2010: Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jun 19 2010: Metro, Chicago, Illinois
Jun 21 2010: Firebird, St Louis, Missouri
Jun 22 2010: Radio Room, Indianapolis, Indiana
Jun 23 2010: The Basement, Columbus, Ohio
Jun 24 2010: Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio
Jun 25 2010: Pike Room, Pontiac, Michigan
Jun 28 2010: Middle East Downstairs, Boston, Massachusetts
Jun 30 2010: Bowery Ballroom, NYC
Jul 1 2010: Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
Jul 2 2010: First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jul 3 2010: 9:30 Club, Washington DC
Jul 5 2010: Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, North Carolina
Jul 7 2010: Cafe 11, St. Augustine, Florida
Jul 8 2010: The Social, Orlando, Florida
Jul 10 2010: Bottletree, Birmingham, Alabama
Jul 11 2010: Thirsty Hippo, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Jul 13 2010: Juanita’s, Little Rock, Arkansas
Jul 14 2010: Cain’s, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jul 15 2010: Lola’s, Dallas, Texas
Jul 16 2010: Mango’s, Houston, Texas
Jul 17 2010: Emo’s Outside, Austin, Texas
Jul 20 2010: Santa Fe Brewing Company Santa Fe, New Mexico
Jul 21 2010: Plush, Tucson, Arizona
Jul 23 2010: El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Jul 24 2010: Velvet Jones, Santa Barbara, California