In celebration of Lou Reeds keynote address at Austins SXSW, a number of the music conferences performances paid tribute to the Velvet Underground leader at Levis/Fader Fort last Thursday. Most musicians offered one or two songs from Reeds canon, including My Morning Jacket, who ran through ‘Head Held High’ before headlining the Austin Music Hall, singer/songwriter Joseph Arthur, who offered takes on ‘‘Pale Blue Eyes’‘ and ‘‘Venus in Furs, Sonic Youths Thurston Moore, who covered the Velvet Undergrounds ‘‘I’m Not a Young Man Anymore’‘ with his solo band the New Wave Bandits, and Philadelphias Dr. Dog, who took on the ‘Who Loves the Sun.’ At the end of the early-evening event, Reed also made a surprise appearance, playing a reworked version of his Walk on the Wild Side with Moby on guitar. The influential electronicia artist, and longtime Reed fan, was in town for a number of performances himself, including a DJ set at the exclusive C3/_Playboy_ Rock the Rabbit party with Justice and MGMT.

Earlier in the day, Reed discussed plans to bring the live version of his 1973 album Berlin to Europe during a public discussion with the shows producer, Hal Wilner. When asked about the new artists he enjoys, Reed gave shout outs to an eclectic mix of performers, including Melt Banana, Holy Fuck, Joan As Policewoman and Dr. Dog. Reeds endorsement helped Dr. Dog pack its high-profile showcases at Austins Emos Annex and the Cedar Door.