Last Thursday night, six Memphis bands took the stage at Barbarella in Austin, Texas for the SXSW Memphis Music Showcase. Local man of mystery Harlan T. Bobo opened the showcase, largely playing songs from his second record, "I'm Your Man". He was followed by Star and Micey, a trio of relative newcomers to the Memphis music scene (they're proteges of Big Star's Jody Stephens). Stephens joined them onstage to say a few words about the passing of his bandmate Alex Chilton. The band opened their set by playing the second verse of one of Chilton's most well-known songs, "Thirteen". I wasn't quite sure when I heard their record a few months ago, but I absolutely adore Star and Micey live. They're cute and charming, full of mid-20s hope and heartbreak. They're also able to strike a wonderful contrast between their loud and quiet parts. When Memphis-native / Austin-transplant Cory Branan took the stage, the crowd seemed to wake up a little bit. Branan is a one-man rock'n'roll machine, and his lyrical ability is deft and funny. The Memphis Music Showcase was hosted by the Memphis Music Foundation. It was one of a few Memphis-themed shows at South By Southwest. Dean and Cameron from the Music Foundation were absolutely lovely to spend time with. Ever the hero, Cameron made a few trips across Red River St. to the barbecue truck, returning with brisket sandwiches. The first half of the show was all about singer-songwriter driven music, and the second half was all about the party. Aristocrunk rappers Lord T. and Eloise got the people close to the stage (including me) dancing. Lord T's powdered wig was resplendent and Eloise was sparkling in a gold cape. They were followed by the Hill Country Revue, a band known for its raunchy, dirty sound. They were joined by rappers 8 Ball and MJG for what was possibly the most gritty, exciting show happening at the festival that night. You totally should have been there.