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We can hardly get through one festival around here without having to start preparing for the next. The dust (er, mud) has settled from ACL, we’re exercising daily in anticipation of Fun Fun Fun Fest in two weeks (not really), and now SXSW has to stick its nose back above the water for some attention. The madhouse fest, scheduled to run its music portion from March 17-21 next spring, announced today that Smokey Robinson, sans any Miracles, will be keynoting the Fest on Thursday, March 18. You can’t really argue with that selection, especially as Motown is going through its cyclical reissue and honoring phase these days. We just hope he doesn’t go on speaking for three friggin’ days like Mr. Quincy Delight Jones last year! Robinson’s awards, achievements, and influence are, of course, incomparable, but we love the fact that SXSW felt the need to highlight his current impact on music by noting that “Robinson continues to forge new trails, mentoring “American Idol” contestants in 2009 and writing and recording new music.” Ah, career, consider yourself climaxed!
