I'm Proud to Have Survived ACL Fest

Much like when I attended Woodstock 99, I am very glad that I went to ACL Fest 2008, but I'm also not so sure if I can handle the entire 3 days again. Yes, the music was amazing, yes I got to see a lot of my favorite bands all in one place, and yes it was a lot of fun. However, I definitely cannot party like I used, and I definitely exhaust a lot quicker than I used to. With temperatures well over 85 degrees and a blazing sun shining down on us the afternoons were very long and exhausting. But once the sun went down and things cooled off we were able to bop around and really enjoy the music and scene around us. There are by far more pros than cons to the big event and I am happy that I was a part of it. C3 Presents certainly knows how to put on a show. From an incredible line up, to excellent food options, to great people watching, there was something to do for everyone and endless amounts of entertainment. There was even plenty of places to grab some shade, water and a blast of mist, and televisions to watch the debates and football on. Even the walk from the lake to Zilker Park was exciting when we saw a man riding his bicycle wearing only a G String! It was nice to see such a variety in the crowd too, and the various attractions catered to every age group and interest.

My personal pros and cons from the fest:

PROS

The Music: John Fogarty, Okkervil River, Foo Fighters, Raconteurs, Jenny Lewis, Tristan Prettyman, Alejandro Escovado, Neko Case, Robert Plant & Alison Kraus, Vampire Weekend, Tegan & Sara

Hanging out with our friends
Good acoustics

Fun setting

Great food selection

Plenty of port-a-potties that were kept suprisingly clean

Lots of art and product vendors

Friendly staff

Zilker Park was kept very clean thanks to the green/recycling promotions

Plenty of shade to hide from the hot sun

TVs to watch the debates or football

Lots of beer stands with short lines and fast service

CONS

The dust

Way too long of a line for Hudson's on the Bend's famous cones

Blazing hot sun

Conflicting schedules of bands

In the end I know I will at least go back next year with a one day pass and highly recommend that any music fans out there check out the scene as well.

Jeff, Kristen, Maggie, Joe @ ACL Fest

Nicole Atkins and The Sea

John Fogarty

An American Icon Live at the Backyard

First of all, I am sad to see the Backyard close, but I am very happy that I got to be there to see Willie Nelson close it down. For the past 16 years The Backyard has been one of the more laid back, comfortable concert venues that Austin is known for; and how could you not enjoy it with the beautiful Hill Country as a backdrop while you sway to great music. Just as it deserved, the popular venue was certainly given a proper send off. With the music starting at 3:00pm and Willie not stopping until after midnight, patrons were sure to get their money’s worth.

We got there around 5 and settled on some rocks with a group of friends and plenty of beers. From there we could easily hear the amazing sounds of The Gourds, Kelly Willis, Grupo Fantasma and Ruthie Foster, among others. And because of the group we were with I must say that I think we saw a little more action and comedy from the sidelines. Thanks for the laughs all :) When Willie finally took the stage at 10:30pm we headed in to the crowds that were surprisingly very calm and polite. Maybe it’s the Bostonian in me that is used to chaos, but it was so nice to not be pushed or stepped on while enjoying the show.

As for Willie himself, he has certainly earned being called an American Icon. This was my first time seeing him live, and I was not even alive during his younger days, but I’d say he sounds just as good and definitely knows how to keep a crowd entertained. I was surprised at how many songs I knew and could sing along to, and enjoyed every minute of the show, including when he donned a Longhorns ball cap.

Since I moved down here my boyfriend has insisted that I see Willie Nelson live, and I’ll admit that I was skeptical at first, but by the end of the show he had me won over. I don’t plan on going crazy downloading all of his songs to my ipod, but I have added a few, and will no doubt jump at the chance to see him again if I have the opportunity.

Oh one last important note: if you are at the Backyard again please watch out for the ramps and drunk suburban husbands stumbling by :)

The Gourds

Willie Nelson

Clockwise from top: Jeff, Ashley, Terrence, Kristen, Kim, Brittany