This interview originally aired on "In the Moment" on SDPB Radio.
David Hersrud reports on two annual music festivals — SXSW in Austin, Texas, and Treefort Music Fest in Boise, Idaho.
But first, a note about Record Store Day coming up April 20.
This is the 15th annual Record Store Day, a celebration of independent brick-and-mortar record stores. South Dakota boasts around eight locations, including in the cities of Spearfish, Watertown, Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
The day often includes exclusive vinyl and CD releases. This year look for unique titles from The Beatles, The Black Crowes, David Bowie, Eric Church, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, Elton John, Charlie Parker, Public Enemy and Queen.
This year's SXSW was a bit different than years before, Hersrud says. Movie celebrities mingled with the crowds as films were previewed. More than 340 bands were scheduled, but between 60 and 80 acts cancelled in protest of the U.S. Army sponsorship and Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza. Other bands read statements decrying the conflict.
The festival also included a classical music showcase and a panel discussion about embracing modern audiences, held at a local barbeque restaurant and bar. The event was low-key and relaxed for audience members and performing artists alike.
Here are a few of Hersrud's highlights from the spring music festivals for your listening consideration:
Brittany Davis: The Kansas City musician’s combination of funk and R&B is electrifying. The performance had audiences on their feet for one of the only standing ovations Hersrud has ever seen at SXSW.
Britti: Check out Britti for country-tinged R&B straight out of New Orleans. As one station put it, expect to hear more from Britti this year.
Marcus King: Here is an artist stretching the boundaries of blues and Americana. He has released three albums with the Marcus King Band and just released his third solo offering.
J Noa: The Dominican Republic performer raps at dizzying speeds. Labeled the "Daughter of Rap," J. Noa is a (teenage) storyteller who uses her music as a platform for social change. J Noa has already done a Tiny Desk concert for NPR.
Ask Carol: Described as an alternative indie-rock duo from Norway, Hersrud says if you like melodies, check them out. This is their second year of playing Treefort; they played SX last year.
Natalie Tenenbaum: A composer, producer, performing pianist and singer-songwriter, Tenenbaum created arrangements for Tina Fey’s musical "Mean Girls" and has worked with David Byrne of Talking Heads. Audiences are apt to see her performing at Carnegie Hall or Thelonious Monk Jazz Club (Club Monk) in Seoul, South Korea. Hersrud recommends her original piano improvisation inspired by Michael Jackson’s "Thriller."
Reyna Tropical: A songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Reyna Tropical's new album leans on Congolese, Peruvian and Columbian rhythms. Reyna Tropical was originally a duo until the untimely death of her musical partner two years ago.
Divorce: The band describes themselves as a British four-piece grunge, alternative country band. When you see everyone in audience smiling you know this band is something special.
Tiffany Poon: A Hong Kong-born American classical pianist, Poon studied at Julliard and Columbia University and is a popular vlogger. Her new album "Diaries: Schumann" hit number one on the classical music charts. Poon is founder and president of Together with Classical, a charity dedicated to empowering people to share their experiences with classical music. Her performance also featured some high-energy Scott Joplin piano rags.
The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis: SXSW and Treefort never seem to have enough jazz artists. Fortunately, the ones they do get are stellar. The Messthetics are an instrumental trio whose music is described as jazz-punk-jam. Their latest album is their first for Impulse Records, the "House that Trane Built." They are joined here by saxophonist James Brandon Lewis.
Mark your calendars. Austin and Boise are great places to visit in March.
Correction: The location of the Thelonious Monk Jazz Club was corrected to Seoul, South Korea.