If we really wanted to, as a town, we could band together and make sure the Nightgowns would remain Tacoma's "best kept secret." We could shield them from the outside world, ensuring that only we would know the strange power their synth-pop possesses. We could dote on them and come to every one of their shows and buy their every release and keep them warm and cozy in this deceptively gritty cocoon forever.

But fuck that noise. I want bragging rights. I want to shove the Nightgowns in front of every eye and ear possible and say, "See! Tacoma was home to this wonderful music the whole time, and now you have the privilege of hearing it."

This is a dream that is closer than ever to coming to fruition, as the Nightgowns ready themselves to head down to Austin, Texas, for the 25th Annual South by Southwest Music Festival. On March 5, a benefit show will be held at The New Frontier Lounge to send off the band and help out a little bit with the cost of driving down to Texas and staying in roadside motels. It'll be Tacoma's chance to bid them farewell and safe travels and to remind them once more how much we appreciate them.

Nightgowns frontmen Trevor Dickson and Cody Jones are remaining humble in their expectations of their performance at SXSW. Says Jones, "Honestly, we're just going to go and have a good time. There are some great bands playing, and some of our friends are going to be down there."

Dickson elaborates, "I'm expecting our SXSW tour to be a lot like the movie Vegas Vacation, with a hint of Conan the Barbarian. I'm not expecting to come back with a giant record deal, but with a handful of sentimental stories and tales that could only happen to a group of sweaty young men exploring the American dream for a few weeks out on the road.

"I'm really excited to get out and play our songs in some new places," he says. "We're all ready for an adventure."

The Nightgowns

with Follow the Kites, DJ Melodica
Saturday, March 5, 9 p.m., $7
The New Frontier Lounge, 301 E. 25th St., Tacoma
253.572.4020