Taylor just launched its own version of SXSW called Armadillo Fest. The event features dozens of bands from all over the world.
It’s a SXSW alternative. Over the next five days, bands will rock the Armadillo Hall as part of Armadillo Fest.
"We just think we offer something for the folks of Williamson County that's unique. The price is right. They don't have to drive downtown and fight the traffic,” said Marlin Lee, promoter.
Lee says the plans started with a phone call from a Los Angeles record company looking for a venue near Austin for three artists. He says soon bands playing at SXSW wanted to come to Taylor and before he knew it, he was inundated with talent.
"We've got bands from all over the world -- Sweden, Japan and everything in between,” he said.
Lee narrowed it down to 51 bands. There's country music artists, rock groups and Wednesday is blues night.
Joe Miranda and the Dangest Blues Band came in from Houston to play.
"This room, I was so freaked out when I saw it. It's got this wood roof and the pickers that come out are going to love it. The acoustics are just awesome,” Miranda said.
The hall has two stages. A new band plays every hour.
"We wanted to do something SXSW, but I wasn't brave enough to go downtown. I saw this in the paper and thought, that sounds great,” said Linda Vandebrake of Georgetown.
Even people from Austin are making the drive.
"South By is too big and too expensive for my taste and too crowded. You can barely see the people that you want to see unless you really put in the hours to get there and see them,” said Jim Pollard of Austin.
At the Armadillo Hall, you've got a front row seat. And there's no need to come early.
The bands play 4 p.m. to midnight through Friday. On Saturday, the music starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 1 a.m. Sunday the event ends with blues legend and Austin hall of famer Hosea Hargrove.
Tickets are $5 if bought in advance and $7 at the door. The all day concert on Saturday will cost you $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
