SXSW 2015 Friday report: James Bay, Ghostface Killah, TV crossover

May 12, 2015 at 2:20PM

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Through the magic of television — which has been more and more plugged into the South by Southwest Music Conference in recent years — British singer/songwriter James Bay managed to appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" right about the same time he wrapped up a packed live performance in a big downtown church late Friday night as part of the mega-fest.

"Not a bad end to the day," Bay said between songs in front of the ornate altar at St. David's Episcopal Church hours after pre-taping his Kimmel appearance. Kanye West was originally scheduled to appear on ABC's late-night TV show Friday but backed out, sparking rumors of another Kanye-vs.-Kimmel feud and dampening other rumors of a surprise SXSW concert by West.

Hip-hop still played a heavy role in the fest's weekend slots. Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah showed a bold new side performing with Toronto electro-jazz trio BadBadNotGood at the Vans party Saturday afternoon on Mohawk nightclub's patio. Bun B was announced as the Saturday night headliner at Stubb's BBQ in lieu of West. Minnesota's own pioneering indie-rap crew Rhymesayers Entertainment hosted its 20th anniversary showcase Friday at Mohawk nightclub with a long line outside and guest performers inside including Chuck D.

Food TV star Rachael Ray tweeted a photo of and praise for young Twin Cities pop-rockers Hippo Campus as they performed at her annual Feedback party Saturday afternoon at Stubb's.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER

James Bay performs at St. David's Historic Sanctuary in Austin, Texas during the 2015 South by Southwest music festival. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE/TONY NELSON)
James Bay performed at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, on Friday at South by Southwest. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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