It's all but confirmed that Justin Timberlake will perform this year. With his 20/20 Experience album releasing on March 19, he is scheduled to appear March 11-15 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Austin police confirmed last week that they had been tipped to be prepared for heightened security due to Timberlake's performance. Because of his Fallon appearances, this leaves March 16 as the date most likely for a performance. Myspace (which JT now partially owns) is hosting its annual Secret Shows on March 14-16, and sources have suggested that JT will perform Saturday night.
Word is also that Kid Cudi will perform Thursday night and Sleigh Bells will perform Friday night.
During SXSWi, pictures began to surface of Daft Punk promos on 6th Street. We've now learned that the duo may likely perform a show at the Texas State Capitol downtown.
Perez Hilton's One Night in Austin has not yet revealed its performers, but that show is $75 a head.
UPDATE (3/10/13): HitFix has confirmed that Prince will perform during SXSW. They have also suggested his appearance is additionally likely at "a certain awards show" during the week. Is the Purple One going to show up at the Austin Music Awards this year?
UPDATE (3/10/13): Two sources claim Alicia Keys will perform Perez Hilton's One Night show. Skrillex will also perform a "secret show," not necessarily one of Myspace's Secret Shows, officially. We've also heard the Smashing Pumpkins may be performing, but details are sparse. We've also got reason to believe via multiple sources that Cudi's Thursday performance would likely suggest he may be bringing some G.O.O.D. friends.
Note: This information will likely change and other acts will be added further into this week. We'll be following the tipsters (and hipsters) and triple-checking with our sources all week long, so STAY TUNED!
REPORTED SECRET SHOWS:
WEDNESDAY:
Lil Wayne @ VEVO Stage (Reportedly at 3 a.m.)
Daft Punk @ Capitol or Alamo? (Sources bet on Wednesday show, but not confirmed)
THURSDAY:
Kid Cudi @ Myspace Secret Show (PM)
FRIDAY:
Sleigh Bells, Diplo @ Myspace Secret Show (PM)
SATURDAY:
Perez Hilton's One Night in Austin 4:30 p.m. (Alicia Keys? for late show)
Justin Timberlake @ Myspace Secret Show (PM)
Prince, Bruno Mars @ La Zona Rosa (PM)
**Have a tip? Email us: editor@variancemagazine.com**