Comedians contribute to SXSW

Everyone knows to expect unheard-of bands, indie films and Internet stars like Perez Hilton, but who knew that some of the nation's best comics have a home among the music, film and interactive highlights at the annual South by Southwest Conference?

This year's comedic roster read like a who's who among the nation's funniest known acts, filling the popular Sixth Street comedy clubs Esther's Follies and The Velveeta Room for two straight nights, often with lines of eager fans waiting to get in the at-capacity venues. The usually crass Margaret Cho kicked off the Friday night set at The Velveeta Room and, like many of the scheduled comedians, also made an appearance on the Esther's Follies stage later in the night.

Cho, who also moonlights as a fashion designer, actor and author, will add musician to her resume once she releases her debut album, tentatively titled "Guitarded," sometime in 2010. The stand-up comic, whose SXSW appearance caught the attention of Time Magazine and prompted a full interview a couple weeks ago, told the publication that she's currently learning how to play and write songs and will collaborate with Patty Griffin and Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls for her debut effort.

Cho's musical future might explain her inaugural visit to SXSW, but the remainder of attending comedians will not be making the jump from humor to rock stardom. Janeane Garofalo, currently starring in Fox's never-ending series "24," also took the stage before a packed house, at one point ruining her own punchline, but still garnering plenty of laughs.

Some, like the monotone, dry-humored Todd Barry, used the festival and visiting bands as a verbal punching bag, fodder for a crowd all too familiar with the pros and cons of a 10-day entertainment festival.

A handful of up-and-coming acts, a few local ones included, were lucky enough to pass the mic to their legendary peers. Friday and Saturday night highlights included Eugene Mirman, former MTV "Singled Out" host Chris Hardwick, Doug Benson and Marc Maron.