For all the flack that SXSW gets for becoming a corporate marginalization of its early ideals, it's still a wonderful proving ground for young artists to showcase their musical talent and one helluva week of fun. Not only that, but the same spirit of positivity that flows through more traditional festival set-ups is not certainly lost at SXSW. 

After the tech networking of SXSW Interactive subsides and SXSW Film's buffs ride off into the sunset, Austin, Texas's clubs and bars are completely taken over for SXSW's music week, and you can't sneeze without walking into another lively showcase of a different type of music. In one outdoor stage, buzzy indie rock acts play, while next door, DJs drop dance beats. In the evening, showcases toggle from rock to hip-hop from one set to the other, as everyone unites through music. Folk and psych rock are heavily represented and, while you truly can't get away from corporate sponsors, they're usually providing free drinks for the festival-goers at most parties. We can live with that. 

In the end, SXSW has a colorful blend of people from all walks of life, all parts of the country and the world. Sounds like a festival right? From showcases, to barbecues and beyond, we traipsed through downtown Austin from end-to-end to bring you a gallery that showcases the many facets of this wonderful playground for music lovers and more.