EarthDance has been described by the music industry as the “Dance Aid” for the new millennium. “Think Global Act Local” is the aim of the event bringing together global communities to create a synchronized global festival and dance event to help fund humanitarian causes and develop an environment of peace throughout the World.

The highlight of the EarthDance Global event is a synchronized dance floor link-up, when the specially created song, “The Prayer for Peace” is played at every event across the world at exactly the same time. 6pm Central Time Houston TX, morning in Australia, sunrise over the Himalayas, midnight in London, afternoon in California – the universal prayer is a powerful moment that unifies our intention for a peaceful world.”

The first annual EarthDance Austin is happening in September! The 3-day camping festival will run September 25th-27th, and EarthDance Austin 2009 will support the non-profit charitable organization, Lance Armstrong Foundation. Among many artists from around the world, Chillville friends and Austin locals Govinda are on the bill, along with an impressive lineup of acts that are sure to serve up lots of dance energy and a great festival experience. Guests can also enjoy the psychedelic sights and sounds of Austin’s Canartic which has joined the festival lineup, and new acts continue to be added. The fun will go down at Apache Pass in “Downtown Texas” where there are several acres of open areas and some forested spots in which to camp, play, dance, and sing. You’ll find artisans, workshops, concerts and events all weekend long on five stages and plenty of room to frolic or simply – chill. A limited number of pre-sale tickets are now available. More information at EarthDanceAustin.org, or you can check it out on MySpace.

Spoon played last night to a sold-out hometown crowd for a solid hour-and-a-half, with a mix of old and new material.

The first part of the set was devoted almost entirely to new music, and it showed in the band’s slight hesitancy at first: you could tell that they were not quite comfortable with the songs yet. At the same time, their focus on recording over the past months also meant that some of the older songs showed the same hesitancy, as the band tried to get back into the swing of playing live again.

The crowd called out requests for old favorites, Britt laughed off any slip-ups with a rueful smile, and the sound was superb. The new material was intriguing, and while Britt didn’t let slip any details about a release date, you can be sure we can’t wait to hear the tracks all polished and pretty.

For more pics, check out Mary’s Flickr photo set.

In other album news, the Pixies have a new album, apparently titled Minotaur, coming out June 15th, which excites us beyond measure…
ETA The Pixies’ Minotaur is actually a box set of all their studio albums, along with some other extra goodies. Not quite as awesome as new material, but very cool nevertheless.

The Lollapalooza lineup is out, and is – of course – a doozy. Just a few of the Chillville artist making an appearance include Depeche Mode, Thievery Corporation, Andrew Bird, Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Santigold, Lykke Li, and so many more it’s kinda ridiculous.

Having just performed here in Austin for SXSW, this beautiful and gifted songstress/piano-humper has a new album entitled Abnormally Attracted to Sin due in stores May 19th. Check out the first music video from the album: Welcome To England.

The Austin musical festival formerly (officially) known as Marley Fest takes place this weekend once again at Auditorium Shores. Despite these April showers, the show will go on rain or shine, and it’s looking like Sunday will offer up a little for more “shine”. Showcasing the chillest of reggae and dub, headliners for this 12th annual event include the Ska-talites and the Wailing Souls, and local dub heroes Grimy Styles will take stage at 6:30 on Saturday. The event is just $10 per day or $15 at the door, and ticket sales benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. You can buy advance tickets through Friday afternoon at any Front Gate outlet. So support a good cause, share some positive vibes, and enjoy some ridiculously overpriced margaritas and hippie-centric arts and crafts. Gates open at noon and the show ends at 10PM each day. One love!

Their new EP is going to see wider release very soon soonish, and we have a feeling they are about to get some major online love for it, so check them out now if you want to say ‘I heard them when’. Sadly, I doubt they’ll be touring around here any time soon, but we can always hope for SXSW next year.

Via Gorilla vs Bear.

Kick it off Friday, March 13th at The Mohawk. Just $9 gets you in without a badge for AMODA’s Digital Showcase featuring live electronic music and digital art. 16 electronic DJs will compete in a a series of elimination rounds, battling it out on their laptops. Austin’s Phranchyze and Zeale will emmcee at the event, and a panel of judges will decide the winners of each round. Digital artists from across the U.S. and the U.K. will showcase their talents, and this is a great way to support the non-profit AMODA in a SXSW event that showcases digital art at it finest.

Thursday, March 19th there’s good news if you like Punk, Pop and Hip Hop – (even on a budget.) Daddy Fat Sacks, A.K.A. Big Boi of Outkast, is headlining a show at Austin Music Hall featuring K’Naan in this Afropunk showcase. Anyone can attend for $15, with or without a badge (or fat sacks). Also, you can follow the link above for a chance to win one of ten free pairs of tickets from Do512. Hey Ya!

Wednesday, March 18th – Saturday, March 21st – Get to the booty bar! Every day and night there’s something going on at the inside stage and in the backyard that’s totally free. Just RSVP. I’m looking forward to catching DJ Craze at 1:00AM, FREE on Friday the 20th – all cash on beer! And if that’s not enough booty for ya, check The Beauty Bar’s MySpace page for even MORE FREE SHOWS, like this one presented by Art Disaster. These free parties are happening day and night during SX.

Thursday, March 19th – Saturday, March 21st – Three nights of awesome FREE concerts at Auditorium Shores. No RSVP required! Gates open at 5:00PM Thursday and Friday, and the fun starts at noon on Saturday. Catch free performances by M. Ward, The Cold War Kids, Erykah Badu and more. Also enjoy festival food, local vendor booths and arts and crafts from some of Austin’s finest artisans. Our own Explosions in the Sky will finish things off with a bang Saturday night at 8:00PM. Though the event is free, no outside food or drinks are allowed. So go sell some plasma, and enjoy these free outdoor shows with some cold beer! (No pets allowed this year.)

Saturday, March 21st – As if there weren’t enough to do on Saturday, how ’bout The Knuckle Rumbler with Rollingstone.com? Taking place at Peckerhead’s on 6th, this event features early sets by Austin’s Scorpion Child and Zeale. Later, Lady Sovereign and “cyber-girl from outerspace” Janelle Monáe are among other performers to take stage. Big Boi fans will recognize this fellow ATL native whose unique fashion sense and musical stylings are freakishly similar to that of Outkast’s other half, Andre 3000. (Listen to her hit song “Violet Stars Happy Hunting” for a good time.) Did I mention this entire lineup is FREE? Plus there’s lots of free alcohol, drinks, food and goodies being offered at this shindig.

Sometimes life takes badges or wristbands… but for everyone else, there’s free stuff.

ETA In our blog, you’ve already read (or will be seeing something soon) about YellowFever, St. Vincent, Pompeii, Peter Bjorn & John, Mirah, Kraak & Smaak, JC & Co., Horse Feathers, Grizzly Bear, Explosions in the Sky, the Crystal Method, Trey Brown, and Balmorhea. These are just some of the artists we are excited about seeing, and there are many more still to be announced.