Just wanted to check in briefly and give an update about the 100 Bands in March Challenge that I agreed to take a few weeks back. (For the uninitiated, the challenge is exactly what it sounds like — I need to see 100 bands or solo artists in the month of March.)

As of today, Monday, March 16th, I’ve seen 25 bands or solo artists. That includes 7 shows in the last 8 nights, and 10 shows so far this month. I’m now taking a desperately-needed 2 nights off before heading down to Austin for South By Southwest on Wednesday morning.

Overall, I’m pretty much where I thought I’d be by now. I missed a couple shows last weekend (Your 33 Black Angels, Here We Go Magic) that I ought to have seen, and missed the Crystal Stilts last night because they couldn’t make it into town. But I managed to substitute in Lisa Hannigan’s show at the 9:30 Club last week, as well as last night’s excellent show at the Black Cat with Wakey Wakey, Ryan Little of Tereu Tereu, and Aaron Estes of Bellman Barker.

My conservative goal for SXSW is to see 60 bands. That would get me to 85 overall, and leave me with 15 bands to see in the last week of the month. I’m already planning on seeing shows by White Lies, Glasvegas, Asobi Seksu, and Medications that week (a total of 11 bands), which would leave me with 4 more slots to fill. That shouldn’t be too hard, however I’m kinda hoping to blow past 60 in Austin and make things a little easier for myself.

So, at the end of the day… I’m on track, but still have a lot more music to go. Can’t wait.