Flaming lips to headline free SXSW show

AUSTIN (KXAN) - For those who don’t have SXSW tickets, fear not, the expected free shows surrounding the March 12 - March 17 music portion of the festival should have you covered.

The first of three free performances will kick off with Jovanotti followed by Bajofondo, Molotov and Café Tacvba.

On Thursday, SXSW 2013 announced the “Flaming Lips” will headline the Town Lake Stage at Auditorium Shores on Friday, March 15, 2013. Gates for the performance open at 3:30 p.m.

The band has a long history with the SXSW music festival, playing here first in 1997 at the “Parking Lot Experiment,” and in several secret shows in 2006.

Austin favorite Jim James , lead singer and guitarist for “My Morning Jacket,” will also perform alongside “ Divine Fits .”

On Saturday, March 16 the day begins with “The Mother Hips,” followed by Miki Bluhm and the Gramblers. The acts continue with “Spirit Family Reunion,” “James Hunter,” then “JJ Grey and Mofro.”

Evening performances kick off with Austin favorites “Los onely Boys,” followed by “Robert Randolph” and the “Family Band” and the closing act “The Midnight Ramble Band.”
The performances at Auditorium Shores are free and open to the public.