POTUS Makes First Appearance At Austin's SXSW
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NEW YORK (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — POTUS will be making a debut appearance this year at the South by Southwest festival.
No, that's not some hipster band. It's the 44th president of the United States. President Barack Obama will be the first sitting president to speak at the annual music, film and interactive media gathering in Austin, which drew more than 80,000 attendees last year.
President Obama will discuss civic engagement with Evan Smith, editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune, during a keynote address on March 11. First lady Michelle Obama will attend as well to discuss the "Let Girls Learn" initiative, which aims to improve education for girls around the world. That will take place on March 16.
Last year there were a wide range of musical performers at the festival, including Mary J. Blige, Taylor Swift and The Weekend.
It was in 2014 when suspected drunk driver Rashad Owens blasted through barricades and down a street packed with people attending the South by Southwest Festival. Four people were killed and dozens run over as Owens tried to evade police. He convicted of capital murder late last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
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