For those who feel that music has hit rock bottom, that it just can't get any worse â€" well, there's always the South by Southwest music conference down in Austin March 14-18, 2007. There's nothing like the thought of 500 bands in four days spread across 50 venues, all in a downtown area the same size as downtown Tacoma. It's a perfect anecdote to cure what ails you, the music biz's spring break, a time when you can shake off the winter blahs (not to mention that heavy coat) and think about nothing but music.  Discounts are available now for early registration.  Check out their Web site for details.
South Sound bands interested in performing at SxSW need to apply before Nov. 10.  Go to their Web site and register today. â€" Brad Allen