Counting Crows to play Austin SXSW date

Counting Crows will take the show to the people with a free performance at Auditorium Shore for the public during SXSW.

Counting Crows will showcase in Austin during SXSW for the release of their first independent record 'Underwater Sunrise (Or What We Did On Our Summer Vacation'. It will be the first Counting Crows album in four years.

The new record is a covers record but instead of the obvious hits it is a homage to the band's favourite artists like Big Star, Gram Parsons, The Faces, Tender Mercies and Kasey Anderson.

The Auditorium Shores show will be presented by BMI. "Counting Crows built a career on great songwriting and great live performances – two of the most vital parts of BMI's business," says Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. "This annual show is our big thank-you gift to the city of Austin, whose residents have helped make SXSW the inspiring, one-of-a-kind experience it's been for 26 years."

Counting Crows will perform with Diamond Rugs and Tender Mercies on March 16 at Auditorium Shores, Austin. The show is free for all. Gates open at 6pm.