For over six years I've lived within walking distance of Zilker Park-- the location of an annual three day music festival spawned from the famous Austin City Limits program. This past weekend I attended for the very first time. Why was it my first ACL? I love live music but I've had bad experiences with big, all day festivals. Especially in Texas. It gets hot and people get drunk and stupid and someone always gets into a fight. Not my idea of fun. But I loved the line-up this year and so my fella (knowing that I will be buried in school work and out of pocket for most of October) gifted me with 3 day passes so we could relax and have some fun before the month slips by.
Walking up to the entrance we couldn't help but overhear the sorority sisters walking behind us. "Okay, y'all. I just tweeted for the whole group so we're 'OK'."
After going through the tight tunnels that comprised the security checkpoints we emerged into a pristine, green field of grass-- the field where I frequently run with my dog. Some 70,000 people mill about, sprawl on the grass and dance to the music. The girls are dressed cutely in sundresses with cowboy boots and the guys are in khaki shorts and ball caps. The festival grounds are immaculate and organized. There is security and lots of food and booze vendors, loads of recycling centers and information stands. I feel safe. And happy. Ready for fun. I slip off my sandals and the grass feels delicious under my toes.
Poi Dog Pondering was the first act we caught and they were pretty groovy but we were a bit cramped under the tent. We elect to arrive much earlier for the larger acts.
Daniel Johnston was our second act. His hands shook visibly as he sang but he seemed in pretty good spirits. Good spirits for Daniel Johnston, anyway. An odd thing about this set: at the start of one of his darkest, moodiest songs a couple of the event organizers dropped a few beach balls into the audience for us to toss around. A little incongruous. To say the least. Had they heard of Daniel Johnston?
We camp out early for John Legend because I NEEDED TO SEE JOHN LEGEND up close.
And I did.
When he came out into the audience I turned into a 16 year old and started jumping up and down and screamed myself hoarse. He was almost close enough to touch. Achingly beautiful and with such a rich voice. I love this man.
Others felt the same.
That is one fine man.
Here is another.
We relaxed on our backs as we listened to Andrew Bird so I didn't get any pics. I'd only heard a song or two of his but I am now a fan. That guy is a genius.
On Saturday it rained-- and I worked-- all day. Sunday we returned to find that the pristine, green lawn had turned into a sea of mud. People slid around in their galoshes and bare feet with terrific grins on their faces. What’s a little treated sewage flecked with hay mud?
We were about 10 feet behind this spectacle.
Ben Harper & the Relentless 7 drew a huge crowd and while his band was a little over-amplified for my damaged eardrums, Ben Harper is about as cool a human being as I have ever seen.
The highlight of the weekend for me was Michael Franti and Spearhead. Michael Franti is so charismatic and energetic and his songs are so positive and uplifting that many people describe his concerts as a spiritual experience. I’m inclined to agree. Sunday night we were 2 of the 25,000 people bouncing in unison to “Say Hey (I love you)” and when he sang, God is too big for just one religion, we loudly howled our approval.
(Bonus points if you can identify the Dr. Seuss reference in this song.)
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consonantsandvowels
kmbearden
TheBarkingLot4
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Comments
Rated and Cheers!
BTW - if those are panties on that pole, I don't want to know who was wearing them - they're enormous!
I love that you're having such fun, doll!
Michael: it was!
Owl: Wins the bonus prize! Here's to the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. Here's to you, love:)
Waking: :) :) :) :) :)
Suzie: Andrew Bird and Conway Twitty-- you've got some eclectic tastes, gal. I love that about you. Come out and stay with me for acl next year!
Kelly: No doubt. The weather is always perfect for sxsw. Thanks for coming by, girl.