SXSW's diverse lineup includes Willie Nelson, Joe Jackson, Yo La Tengo

This year's edition of the South by Southwest music festival--set to take place March 12-16 at dozens of venues in Austin, Texas--will showcase a typically healthy mix of established acts and newcomers.

According to organizers, more than 1,000 performers from around the world are scheduled to appear over five nights, including the B-52's, Camper Van Beethoven, Cat Power, Joe Jackson Band, Jungle Brothers, Willie Nelson & Family, the Polyphonic Spree, Smog, Supergrass, Lucinda Williams, Lee Ann Womack and Yo La Tengo.

In addition, free outdoor concerts take place at 6 p.m. March 12-15 at Auditorium Shores.

Among SXSW's kick-off events is the 21st Annual Austin Music Awards, a benefit for the SIMS Foundation that takes place on March 12 at the Austin Music Hall. Confirmed acts include the Improbable Return of Redneck Rock with Steve Fromholz, Rusty Wier, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Ray Benson & Friends, Ruthie Foster, Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, the Hole in the Wall Gang with Beaver Nelson, Troy Campbell, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Jane Bond, Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga, Darin Murphy, Ted Roddy, Andrew Duplantis, Matt Hubbard, and Paul Minor.

During the day, SXSW occupies the Austin Convention Center with trade-show exhibits and five days of panels--featuring about 200 panelists--on music and the music business.

Daniel Lanois delivers the event's keynote speech on March 13 and Lyle Lovett will be the subject of an SXSW interview on March 14. Panel topics will include: "Government and Media Ownership" with FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, US Congressman Lloyd Doggett and others who will be addressing efforts at the FCC and in Congress to tackle concerns of the concentration of ownership in the concert and radio fields; and "Label Heads Sound Off" featuring Andy Gershon of V2, Lesley Bleakley of Beggars Group and moderator David Adelson of E! Television.

A key attraction at the Convention Center will be the SXSW Exhibition, which features music organizations, record labels and new media organizations.

More details about SXSW music happenings--including a schedule of performances and panels--is available at the event's official website.