REM, Van Morrison and The Raveonettes are among acts set to play today (March 12) at the 2008 SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, as the event kicks off.

Arguably the hugest hitters of the day, REM will headline the Stubb’s Bar-B-Q venue at midnight (CMT), while Morrison will play at La Zona Rosa at 8pm.

Elsewhere Domino Records will host a showcase at Antone’s, with These New Puritans, Lightspeed Champion, The Kills and Simian Mobile Disco all set to take the stage.

Before the evening’s entertainment, a host of afternoon gigs will show off a host of both established and new talent. The Spinto Band are set to appear at the Creekside Lounge, with Two Gallants playing at the Red Eye Fly and Holy Fuck and The Cool Kids playing The Peacock.

Into the evening Salford duo The Ting Tings play before The Duke Spirit at Buffalo Billiars, while Martha Wainwright performs at midnight at Club de Ville.

In other highlights, London femme-punk heroes The Slits will play a set at the Elysium, while Detroit garage rockers The Von Bondies perform before Evan Dando’s The Lemonheads at Emo’s Annex.