Woot! Austin is blossoming with music and possibility. It is a great meeting of the tribe, you know, the tribe that loves music. We are every kind of person, from everywhere in the world, united by this love. And it is all set against the backdrop of the greening of early spring in Texas. Hipsters are abound at the airport, and are spilling out in the street from every club and restaurant in Austin, Texas. The music portion of SXSW® is underway at last. Not that we are part of it at Music Fog, nope, we are unofficial. The Music Fog Marathon starts at 11:10 CDT this morning at Threadgill's (301 W. Riverside) with a full day’s line up, the first of four days, and 44 artists all told. If you're planning on attending in person, there is no cover and no badges are required. Huge thanks to our sponsors Neustar and Threadgill’s WHQ for making this happen.

Here is today’s lineup:

• 11:10 AM  Alessi's Ark
• 11:40 AM  Heidi Spencer
• 12:20 PM  Ian Moore & The Lossy Coils
• 1:20 PM   Uncle Lucius
• 2:10 PM   Brian Wright
• 2:40 PM   Guy Forsyth
• 3:20 PM   Foster & Lloyd
• 4:20 PM   The Civil Wars
• 5:20 PM   Ray Wylie Hubbard
• 6:20 PM   The Trishas
• 7:20 PM   Citizens Band Radio

Now don’t you go bemoaning your fate if you can’t be with us, because we’re going to be broadcasting most of the Music Fog Marathon LIVE here on our website, via Ustream! You'll be able to watch full live sets this week, and our usual higher quality 'one song at a time' delivery in the coming days here on Music Fog. Also, keep a lookout for our now traditional mascot for this rite of passage into the spring of the new year. Last year’s Pedro has been replaced by this year’s Esteban. He is a handsome specimen. So come on down, or kick back and watch wherever you are. Day One of the Music Fog Marathon is underway!

- Jessie Scott