Todd P Goes to Austin

Brooklyn promoter Todd Patrick describes himself as someone who “puts together rock and roll shows.” Director Jay Buim's loose and rambling documentary focuses on five days of free concerts Patrick arranged during 2009's South by Southwest Conference in Austin, TX. Buim combines interviews with performance clips and footage of the various artists' road-trips from New York and Los Angeles to Texas (since some conversations take place in moving vans and noisy clubs, subtitles are occasionally provided). Featured acts include Dan Deacon, Matt and Kim (Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino), Ponytail, Mika Miko, and dozens of others, all of whom record for independent labels and tend to fall on the loud side of the spectrum. While at SXSW, Patrick also agrees to present an official showcase with Matt and Kim as long as ticket prices remain reasonable. Patrick doesn't offer much in the way of personal details or even explain how he got into the business, but he's an enthusiastic, encouraging promoter who is “doing this because these are the kinds of shows I would want to see.” Todd P Goes to Austin will likely interest viewers who follow these performers, as well as those seeking to break into the D.I.Y. end of the industry. DVD extras include audio commentary with Buim and Matt and Kim, and a photo gallery. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)