With a tip of the stocking cap to Ice Pack -- this week's annual gathering of Minnesota-connected film folks in Hollywood -- Minneapolis entertainment lawyer Ken Abdo organized the first annual Ice Hole in Austin. He rounded up nearly 20 Minnesotans, including lounge singer Vic Volare and folks from Oarfin Records, for drinks in a hotel lobby bar. But that was fewer than half the Minnesotans in Austin.

Booking agent Brian Swanson appeared on a SXSW panel about touring bands, while Slug of Rhyme Sayers Collective was an 11th-hour replacement for a panel on hip-hop. Producers Tom Herbers and John Fields scouted showcases for clients. Matt Larson, a former equipment technician for Prince, distributed business cards to more than 400 bands, hoping to sell them heavy-duty equipment cases.

The Hang Ups performed twice, though neither was an official SXSW gig. After doing a short set for BMG Publishing one day, the Minneapolis pop band entertained at a party the next afternoon for Launch, a new music Web site. "We really like this band," said Launch editor Dave DiMartino. "We heard an advance of the new album, and it sounds great. I have their two other records. We're fans."

After playing official gigs the past two years, Tina & the B Sides, one of the Twin Cities' most popular bar bands, went to Austin for a three-night stand.

Happy Apple, Volare, the Honeydogs and the Hot Head Swing Band all did double duty -- a nighttime showcase and a free afternoon appearance at a record store. There was a familiar look and smell when Happy Apple unleashed its alt-jazz at Cheapo Records. (Yes, the Twin Cities chain has opened a branch in Austin.) Kim Randall of the group's label, No Alternative Records, said a rep from a bigger indie company approached her with interest in the group.

Vic Volare and the Volare Lounge Orchestra didn't play to a full house at the Caucus Club, but Slick Vic and his suave swing band got the joint jumping with -- dig this -- "I'm Gonna Miss Minneapolis."

The Honeydogs, SXSW veterans who played during the final hour of the festival Saturday night, hit the stage with an unexpected smile on their faces. On Thursday, while driving to Austin, they learned that their contract with the former Mercury Records (recently swallowed in a merger between Universal and PolyGram) had been renewed after several months during which the relationship appeared kaput.

As the bouncers cleared the club, Honeydogs drummer Noah Levy looked tired but elated about the news. "The sinking ship was righted," he said.