South by Southwest means crowds, entertainment and money for Austin

In past few years the first 10-day event were usually slow getting started. That's a thing of the past. Now days downtown hotels are sold out and badges and messenger bags are blanketing streets and freeways. That is because the interactive portion of the festival has taken off in recent years, say Beth Krauss, media manager for the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, which tracks the annual festival. I've heard people argue that South by Southwest is good for the city of Austin and the surrounding towns. I've also heard some people say that it's not good for the city due to traffic delays, and it slows down the city for 10 days. I've heard many other reasons people don't like it, but I love South by Southwest being here in Austin. Talents from all over the country and world navigate there way to Austin to display their talents. It also gives the lesser known talents here in Austin a chance to get some shine.

The interactive conference is drawing an audience that is 40 percent higher that last year. It's growth is being driven by the popularity of social media and the convergence of film and music on the internet, Krauss said.

One of the films that was screened Sunday at the Paramount Theartre is by Austin filmaker Mat Hames. The documentary "When I Rise" recounts the story of opera star Barbara Smith Conrad, a native Texas who as a University of Texas student in 1957 was barred from performing in a lead role because of her skin color. She won the role in the opera "Dido and Aenas" but was removed by UT officials when word got out that she would sing opposite a white male classmate. The movie chronicles Conrad's compelling story as a giflted young singer from East Texas who was among the first wave of African American students admitted to the flagship university after it was legally forced to open its doors to blacks. American-Statesman writer Jeanne Claire van Ryzin reported on the film in Thursdays statesmans edition. Conrad is expecting to attend the premier. This is one of the reasons why I love the fact that South by Southwest is here every year. There's always a feel good story taht needs to be heard or seen and because of the event, this wonderful story can be seen.

Of course the star of SXSW still is the music conference, with it's bands and musical acts from aroud the world on no fewer that 80 stages across down town.

Navigating downtown will be a challenge and forget about parking. But when you're about to lose your patience, calm yourself with the knowledge that the economic impact on Austin is estimated at $95 million with great entertainment all around.