The next day, there are almost as many people talking about [Patti] Smith as SXSW buzz-belle Neko Case. In restaurants, at gas stations and in used-car lots, everywhere in Austin, I hear people on cellphones planning meetings, interviews, and barbecue runs around Case's Saturday gig. So it's no surprise that when the CMJ cover cutie hits the stage, the line at Antone's door stretches from 5th Street right down Lavaca to 4th.

The best way I've found to avoid the obscene lineups is by staking out at outlaw events like the Bloodshot label party at Yard Dog Gallery. It's consistently one of the festival's most enjoyable get-togethers, where artists, journalists, label reps and fans can chill with a road-weary Sally Timms over some great music and a brew.