Any visible signs of a recession are seemingly absent from this year's SXSW Music Festival, where the familiar stew of college kids and industry hacks clogged both 6th Street and Red River last night, making it nearly impossible for the badge-less to get into the big venues like Stubb's or Emo's. But, for those with a car and a sense of adventure, there was plenty to be seen and heard outside the festival proper - particularly on Austin's newly-gentrified East Side, where folks like Brooklyn impresario Todd P have been hosting free parties day and night. 

Still, the best show of the night by far was Langhone Slim's 1am set on the outdoor stage at Club DeVille, where he played both new songs and old favorites. Eventually, he invited everyone to get up on stage with him, and even the normally-jaded turned into screaming indie kids. Not bad for $5.

Pete and I are off to hit the day parties, but you can check out pics of last night's shows (including Ponytail, The Strange Boys, Andrew Bird, and Langhorne Slim) below.