Music capital has unlimited acts

Weirdness isn't the only thing Austin is known for.

The city is the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world, thanks to some 2,000 recording artists who live in the area and often take the stage at nearly 200 live-music venues. You can even catch an act at the airport, which has three stages.

This is the home of "Austin City Limits," the longest-running music show on TV, and 92 music events are held here each year. The biggest is coming right up: South by Southwest begins Friday and continues through March 16. More than 1,400 performers will be rocking venues throughout the city at this showcase of music, film and interactive media.

Three places music lovers won't want to miss on a visit to Austin:

•     The honky tonk haven Broken Spoke, 3201 S. Lamar Blvd., (512) 442-6189, Brokenspokeaustintx.com.

•     The Continental Club, where Tuesday "Hippie Hour" shows are an Austin tradition, 1315 S. Congress Ave., (512) 441-2444, Continentalclub.com.

•     Stubb's Bar-B-Q hosts it all, from rock and blues acts to a Sunday gospel brunch, 801 Red River St., (512) 482-0035, Stubbsaustin.com.