Thursday, March 5, 2026

Culture

CultureGreg AckermanPreview

SXSW preview: Flatstock offers unparalleled free fine art show to fans

As a purveyor of good music, The Cosmic Clash rarely discusses visual art as we’re usually busy telling readers about music we love. Fans already know, visual art is a relevant component of the independent music scene that matters to us. Flatstock, the fine art poster show that has been present at South by Southwest (SXSW) as long as we can remember. In fact, Flatstock has been around since their first exhibition in San Francisco in 2002. The show features hand-printed and limited-edition poster art by over 50 artists and studios from around the globe for sale – all of whom will be in attendance to interact with visitors directly. The location this year is new as the Austin Convention Center is a pile of rubble at the moment. The new location at Moonlight Exhibit Hall is in the Austin Marriott Downtown (304 E Cesar Chavez St.) on March 13-15, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

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CultureOpinionRobert Dean

Essay: I would rather swim through raw sewage than go to the theater

Theater is my hell. Musical theater? I would rather swim through raw sewage, hitting sawed-off corpse dicks to the face. Honorable mentions include karaoke and improv. Back to the theater… it’s not fun for me. I enjoy reading plays by the greats; August Wilson, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller. But when it comes to sitting in an audience, it just ain’t for me. There was the time I was taken to see Monty Python’s “Spam-a-Lot,” and while I wanted to see it, once I saw it, I hated it.

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CultureOpinionRobert Dean

Opinion: Eight predictions for Austin music and culture in 2026

Because it’s the beginning of the year, I wanted to try something new. I’m going to make some predictions about things I think will happen over the next twelve months. I’m not a swami. This is just my best shot as someone who’s stood next to enough sweaty, drunk guys with bad opinions at countless shows for over thirty years. I can’t do worse than them. Jesus. I feel old just typing that

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CultureInterviewsMike Cosmic

Interview: Besides music Trail of Dead member Conrad Keely is a gifted visual artist

Music fans might know Conrad Keely’s art through his band …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead without realizing Keely often designed and created the album artwork. Music isn’t where Keely’s creative endeavors end. The man is a gifted painter, working in a variety of mediums; oils, acrylics, pen and ink on paper, canvas and even wood surfaces. I sat down with Keely for a video interview and we discussed all aspects of his art and where it might head in the future.

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