South By Southwest brings more than 1,000 bands to Austin every March. With so many showcases going on every night, it can be hard to decide which one to see. Here are some buzz worthy showcases to keep your eye on.

 

Wednesday: March 17

NPR Music Showcase: Stubb’s (All Ages) Spoon, Broken Bells, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Walkmen, Visqueen

Showcasing its distinct and eclectic music tastes, NPR Music has assembled an eye-popping lineup for opening night. After opening act Visqueen, The Walkmen, one of New York City’s finest bands, will take the stage. Featuring the masterful guitar work of Paul Maroon, an organ, and lead singer Hamilton Leithauser’s emphatic vocals, the band have been consistently good, and seeing them live is always an experience. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings follow, and their blend of ‘60s soul arrangements and Jones’ commanding voice will undoubtedly get the crowd moving. Broken Bells, the side project of The Shins’ front man James Mercer and Danger Mouse, has created a lot of buzz in recent months. This will only be their fourth live appearance, and SXSW will be the perfect testing ground for them. Capping off the night will be Austin’s very own Spoon, who gave an excellent performance at Waterloo Records in January. The band have played Stubb’s several times before and should feel right at home headlining this showcase.

 

Thursday: March 18

The Bowery Presents: Emo’s Main Room (All Ages) The Delta Spirit, Local Natives, Rogue Wave, Miles Kurosky, Adam Green, Peter Wolf Crier

The main attractions for this showcase seem to be playing everywhere this SXSW. The Local Natives, the second group of the night, demonstrate that they have studied the best of indie rock closely over the last few years, as their debut album, “Gorilla Manor,” has received a great amount of praise for striking all the right chords. Rogue Wave have been around for several years, and their pleasant pop sound has brought them a decent following over the years. Meanwhile the main headliner, The Delta Spirit, has a more Americana and roots-oriented sound. Though they still have only one album under their belt, 2010 looks like a promising year for them. The band will be releasing their sophomore album, “History From Below,” in May. Also playing will be opening act Peter Wolf Crier, ex-Beulah front man Miles Kurosky and former Moldy Peaches member Adam Green.

 

Friday: March 19

The Billions Corporation: Antone’s (All Ages) Lost in the Trees, Plants and Animals, Basia Bulat, Quasi, Shearwater, Liars

Billions Corporation have assembled a very talented lineup for their Antone’s showcase, hosted by Alt-Country legend Danny Barnes. After the chamber-pop of Lost In the Trees, Montreal’s Plants and Animals will take the stage, showcasing songs from their upcoming album, “La La Land.” Singer-songwriter Basia Bulat will then perform, followed by indie icons Quasi. Featuring Janet Weiss, the former drummer of the influential female rock group Sleater-Kinney, Quasi recently put out their first album in seven years. Austin’s Shearwater, containing ex-members of Okkervil River, will bring their epic sounds and technical prowess to the forefront. Liars, the experimental rock heavyweights, will end the night.

Be sure to also catch these noteworthy shows.

Thursday Mohawk Patio 912 Red River St., All Ages Young Turks Showcase 8 p.m. Performances by First Aid Kit, SALEM, jj, GZA and The xx.

 

Friday Cedar Street Courtyard 208 W 4th St., 21+ Bug Music Showcase 8 p.m. Performances by Sarah Borges & the Broken Singles, Exene Cervenka, American Bang and Buddy Miller.

 

Cedar Door 201 Brazos St., 18+ The Artery Foundation Showcase 8 p.m. Performances by Bury, Asking Alexandria, Evergreen Terrace, I See Stars and Breathe Carolina.

 

Club 115 115 San Jacinto St., 21+ 8:30 p.m. Performances by David Dallas, Young Sid, Mr Sicc, Rebel Diaz, Adam Tensta, Timbuktu & Chords and Looptroop Rockers.

Saturday Auditorium Shores Stage Riverside Dr & S 1st St, All AgesGround Control Touring Showcase 3 p.m. Free to the public Performances by Kimya Dawson, Dawes, Deer Tick, Lucero, Justin Townes Earle and She & Him.