PART 1 SXSW

Guest columnist Nichole Wright gives us the lowdown on SXSW
From its comparatively humble beginning as a 700-band music showcase in 1987 to its current role as an arbiter of film, interactive media, music and now fashion trends - drawing in over 30,000 official registrants, SXSW has become a hallmark of the no-holds-barred approach to fun that only Austin can provide. As for the style and fashions, Austin is no L.A. or Manhattan - but it has a unique style of it's own - especially during SXSW - lot's of black & grey's, skinny jeans, short flowered sundresses, stripes, cherry red Ray-Ban sun glasses. Hipster heaven - rockabily, indie and punk style! And there were so many unofficial shows and shindigs that inevitably spring up on the outskirts of the more structured festivities.
My first event to attend, albeit on a rainy Monday Night was an invite-only St. Supery tasting and Twitter meet-up at CRU wine bar. We tasted 4 lovely wines from Napa and an assortment of cheeses. The winery's social media guy, Rick Bakas was on hand along with a big screen of live tweets from guests and supporters. Live, virtual reactions to how things tasted! NYC based media outlet, Thrillist recently launched in Austin and held an event at the infamous BBQ joint, Stubb's.

Read more juicy bits on Part 2 SXSW
Nichole Wright, Bon Vivant "girl" is an event planner, publicists, former New Yorker, and recent Austin transplant. Twitter@bonvivantgirl

SXSW Part 2

Continued Part 2 SXSW
By Guest columnist Nichole Wright

Being with Richard Bishop from L.A. of Three AM Artist Management was certainly a pleasure. Always good to be with a hotshot music agent from L.A. at something like this!
We hit the Max's Wine Dive showcase of bands (Avi Buffalo, Baron Von Luxxury, The Soft Pack and Anya Marina) sponsored by The Domain's new aLoft Hotel. Guests scored points for the Spin and Foursquare (the newest social media craze) hosted contests. Later in the afternoon, we discovered a new D.C. based band, The Dance Party, who is just might be the next big thing in electro pop-rock and lead singer looks like a young, hot Johnny Depp. They are all hot, talented & young! That was upstairs at Malverde, above the hot 2nd Street district Mexican restaurant, La Condesa, followed by a legendary DJ set listening to the techno big-beat sounds of The Crystal Method. Took a break for a media interview with a Texas-native band 5, Dignan With over a million My Space hits, they seem poised to keep rocking the scene with their auroral melodies, poetic percussion and ethereal lyrics. Asked where they get their inspiration from, they said Grizzly Bear, Beach House and Arcade Fire. Dignan is the name of a character in the Wes Anderson movie, "Bottle Rocket."
The entire interview will be streamed here:YOUTUBE
Thursday night would down by hopping some of the best industry parties at, where else, The Four Seasons Hotel.
READ MORE ON PART 3-which hot male celebs show up?
Nichole Wright, Bon Vivant "girl" is an event planner, publicists, former New Yorker, and recent Austin transplant. Twitter@bonvivantgirl

SXSW Part 3-Mathew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson

SXSW Part 3

By Guest columnist Nichole Wright
The highlight was on Friday, 200 guests attended a SXSW after-party hosted by John Popper benefiting the local charity H.O.P.E. (http://www.hopecampaign.org/.) Big Red Sun Venue & Gardens ( was the spot, where guests had access to a 7,000 square foot hidden garden in up & coming East Austin. While the DJ Logic got it going, guests mingled under a moonlit pecan groove in the hidden outdoor oasis. The 1930's craftsman style bungalow located on the property had four rooms where sponsors held court and tastings were held by Padilla Cigars, Crunk Energy Drink, Pop Chips, Relish Cupcakes, Walton's Fancy & Staple's "Tippy Bars" (Sandra Bullock's bakery & cafe.) Bartenders served cocktails mixed with local spirits - Dripping Springs Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea, Icelandic Glacial, Treaty Oaks Rum and Toro de Lidia Tequila made the perfect margaritas. Blues Traveler playing was the real treat- live music under the stars, literally! Local celeb Matthew McConaughey and the actor Woody Harrelson turned out.

Nichole Wright, Bon Vivant "girl" is an event planner, publicists, former New Yorker, and recent Austin transplant. Twitter@bonvivantgirl