Berklee's back at SXSW

Boston’s Berklee College of Music is doubling the tunes at this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival, throwing an official SXSW party for the fifth straight year and adding a second shindig that’ll be open to anyone.

First things first: Did someone say free? Why, yes … we did. Stop by Lucky Lounge, 209-A W. Fifth St., on Thursday, March 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. to hear performances by Berklee students and alums, including Melissa Ferrick, A House A Home, Ann Driscoll, Merry Go Round, Nini & Ben, and Jordan Tarrant. There’s no admission fee — and no need to have a badge or wristband — as long as you’re 21 or older.

The “official” party happens Friday, March 19 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at Friends, 208 E. Sixth St. Performers include Audible Mainframe, the Young Republic, Nini & Ben, Stefan Wm and Jordan Tarrant, Ann Driscoll, Love Like Fire, and Shayna Zaid & the Catch.

Friday’s party is 21 and up, and open to folks with a SXSW badge. If you’ve got a wristband — or if you’re just jonesing for a good show — you can RSVP by e-mailing sxswrsvp@berklee.edu.