The population of Austin, TX, will swell this week when a swarm of artists, music-industry personnel and live-music fans descend upon the city for the annual South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival, set for Wednesday through Sunday (3/12-3/16).

Though mostly a showcase for up-and-coming acts, the festival's lineup always features a number of heavyweights, who this year include R.E.M. [ tickets ], The Black Crowes, My Morning Jacket, Spoon, Ice Cube, Sia, N.E.R.D., Yo La Tengo, X and Ryan Cabrera.

In addition to live performances, the event also features various speakers and panel discussions at the Austin Convention Center, highlighted this year by a keynote speech from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Lou Reed, who will appear on Wednesday (3/13).

Complete details about the event--including a comprehensive list of showtimes and performers, as well as conference schedules--are available at the SXSW [ tickets ] website.

Launched in 1987, SXSW has grown into what is widely considered the most important annual music-industry event. Last year's edition drew 11,750 people and featured five nights of music from more than 1,500 acts hailing from 33 different countries performing in over 70 venues in downtown Austin, according to organizers.

As always, LiveDaily will be on the ground in Austin chronicling the event via words, pictures and podcasts. Look for regular updates Thursday (3/13) through Saturday (3/14) at LiveDaily's just launched Club Channel.