ACL Day 2 and 3

Day 2 and 3 of ACL I took the approach of seeing more but being further away from the stage. It turned that I was still able to get rather close for a few performances including Matt and Kim and the Temper Trap on Day 2.

The first half of the Temper Trap seemed a bit off, perhaps due to the lead's issues earphones and not being able to hear himself...

...but halfway through he was in his element.

New Bands I discovered and enjoyed

Day 2, Lissie-Folk rock artist

and Day 3 The Foals- Indie rock group from Oxford England (obsessed with english bands!)

Day 3 I arrived incredibly early to catch Shearwater with my favorite character drummer-Thor!

Unfortunately he wasn't present because he was back in NYC playing with the Swans, I was bummed but the still enjoyed their performance and was able to quickly get away for a close spot for the White Rabbits.

I first really got into the White Rabbits at APW last year and since have been trying to catch them in NYC. They come through pretty often and give inexpensive shows and even had a free performance late in the summer but I didn't end up going due to rain. After speaking with a few people I met at the festival who hated on the band I was beginning to think maybe I had been lucky last year with the awesome performance; but the band once again put on a great set, full of energy and rocked out!

I proceeded to hop stages to see the Foals, then a bit of Devendra Banhard and the Grogs and then went 40 minutes early to insure I was nice and close for the Morning Benders. I was also able to watch them set up and do sound check-any chance I have to watch Chris is well spent ;)

After a rendition of Excuses I ran to squeeze my way through the crowd for Yeasayer who was fun as always.

Look how excited the security guard looks!

Finally taking a break I grabbed dinner and set down a bit before catching Band of Horses and Norah Jones.

Band of Horses nearly brought tears to my eyes when No One's Gonna Love You was dedicated to his son. I think I was already overly emotional after being in the sun for 3 days, but it's my favorite Band of Horses' song and the gesture was so sincere.

The weekend ended with the soulful Norah Jones and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end the night.

One more Austin post to highlight my last day in the city.

Nicole

ACL Highlights Day 1

Hey all-

This is such a perfect post for the 200th post on Soundztastee!

The last 72 hours have felt like a week, but in a good way. There was so much great music, sun, food, and new friends.

My favorite part of the festival was the beginning of the day, between 12:30-2, before most people arrived. It was so easy to wander around and hop from stage (there were 8!) to stage and catch some lesser known bands.

Skyline of Austin in the background:

Arriving early I was able to catch Vonnegutt-a hip hop, alternative, yet slightly pop band:

and Givers before settling for the entire set of Charlie Mars.

Then it was off to see the Blues Travelers

followed by a bit of exploring the Art Market and grabbing food. There were so many food options! For meat lovers to vegans, and even local farmer's market goods. The only thing missing was fruit.

Day 1 I got the blackened fish taco, don't know what I was thinking there was tomatoes and cheese, I took them off but that didn't leave much.

Day 2-3 I went with a steam vegetable burrito which was a much safer bet. No picture but it contained carrots, peppers, and summer squash along with black beans and a chipotle sauce. Might not sound like anything wonderful for meat eats, but it was tasty!

Another vender that looked really good but I wasn't sure if my stomach could handle the fried food so I stayed away was...

Mighty Cone-Served hot and crunchy chicken or shrimp, with or without avocado, hot and crunchy avocado, venison sausage wrap, and death by chocolate

After lunch I made my way through the crowd and got a decent spot for the Black Keys. Originally I was going to race to Miike Snow but decided to stick with the Black Keys' stage and get a good spot for Spoon and The Strokes. Good decision on my part because the crowd was brutal and I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere close if I had walked away. In the end I was about 5 rows back for Spoon and 3 for the Strokes, both put on awesome sets and being close always makes it better!

The Black Keys (do you see the lady in the pink shirts on the bottom left of the picture? She and about 3-4 others signed various songs. Not quite sure why a deaf person would come to a music festival but their must have been a strong demand!).

For reasons I won't go into on the blog I ended up by myself of the festival. At first I was in tears at the thought of having to hang out alone, but it wasn't so bad. I was able to do my own thing, hop from stage to stage when I wanted and I met some really cool down to earth people.

Day 2-3 coming soon!

Nicole