DirecTV announced this week a partnership with SXSW and production company Blaze TV, to produce three days of live music performances and "behind-the-scenes footage," to run March 15-17 on DirecTV's Channel 101. From the announcement:

Last year's event featured more than 1,400 bands played at 60 venues in downtown Austin, Texas. This year proves to provide more action with appearences by Pete Townshend and Rachel Fuller, The Stooges (with Iggy Pop), David Byrne, Ozomatli, Taylor Hicks, Amy Winehouse, Buzzcocks, Interpol, Razorlight, Hot Hot Heat, The Bravery and Booker T.

Blaze TV is working with SXSW to custom-build two state-of-the-art venues exclusively for the SXSW special on The 101. The Lone Star Lounge, with a traditional Texas feel, and modern music club The Bat Bar will be built from the ground up in Austin solely for the live televised performances. Each venue will be filmed using the most up-to-date technology, including multi-camera HD with 5.1 surround sound.