Seven artists from Hawaii were invited to play showcases at the 24th South by Southwest Music & Media Festival and Conferences in Austin, Texas this year, and six will be in attendance.
Anuhea, Pimpbot, Mishka, Kona, Sabrina and YAHOWHA 13, the final six, will compete against 1,800 other bands from 59 countries with an audience of over 15,000 music industry professionals in more than 90 venues on March 17-21 in Austin.
Last year, five artists played at SxSW, with government and industry support. Roy's Restaurant in Austinserved as a performance headquarters for the bands: Anuhea, Pimpbot, John Cruz, David Tamaoka, and One Right Turn.
Georja Skinner, chief officer, Creative Industries Division, Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, has attended the SxSW event for the past two years. In a press release, she stated, “We look forward to expanding our relationship with this legendary event because it showcases what we already know, that Hawaii's artists are world-class talents that are truly coming into their own. SxSW is a key event to support the growth of our creative sectors in the islands.”
In the press release announcing the participating artists, Anuhea manager Warren Wyatt of World Sound said, “We accomplished more than planned at last year's SXSW, landing Anuhea a Japanese tour with Flo-Rida, some nice press and a host of other great opportunities."
Wyatt's company is providing a 100-square-foot stand in the SxSW Music, Film & Interactive Trade Fair to serve as a mini-stage, meeting area and promotional presence for Hawaii delegates.

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South by Southwest Music & Media Festival and Conferences: http://sxsw.com