All right, kids, here's the deal: the Austin City Limits Music Festival. As you all know last year I (in the happy company of Craig, Paul, and Chris) attended the first ever ACL Festival at Zilker Park in Austin, TX. And if you click here, you can find out exactly how much of my mind was lost by all the musical mayhem and auditory awesomenimity I experienced there.

Well, the time has come again for all of us music-lovers to make that glad trek to the capitol city and partake in the three-day wonder and greatness that is the Austin City Limits Music Festival. I've got my ticket, I've got the time offa work, and I'm just counting the days until September 19th so I can shed these old layers of self and slip into something a little more groovy, a little less stressed. Here's an abridged list of the talent I plan on witnessing:

Patty Griffin
She's an old standard. If you frequent this website and you still don't know who Patty is yet, there's no hope for you.
Ruthie Foster
Read the above statement. Replace the name "Patty" with the name "Ruthie." Continue.
Bob Schneider
Really, people. It's like I'm doing this for myself here sometimes.
Ween
If you've seen the movie It's Pat! (and who hasn't, really) then you know these guys. If not, just click on the link and experience the wierd reality of Ween.
Jack Johnson
Formerly of G-Love and the Special Sauce (who'll also be at ACL), Jack Johnson has struck out on his own to give us an album full of acoustic-funk diddies laced with soul and sprinkled liberally with heart.
Robert Earl Keen
I grew up listening to this bluegrass Texas native. Like Ruthie Foster and Lyle Lovett, Keen's life in College Station, TX has given him years of musical fodder for us to listen to and fall in love with.
Spoon
Just recently started listening to this band. But so far, they kick ass. Girls Can Tell is an awesome album.
The Polyphonic Spree
One of the best band websites around. Support local music and see the insanity.
Howie Day
Been listening to Howie since he was the guy with the hair (right, Chris?). King of the Line 6 pedal, I haven't seen Howie play since he was signed. Very excited; I know it'll be kick ass.
REM
What? Huh? But . . . ? Aren't they . . . ? What? That's right, kids, the one and only REM. And for some reason they're gonna be playing at the festival. Life is good.

And that's my short list. There are a good 100+ more bands that are scheduled to play at the festival this year and the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced my head will explode from all the excitement. So if you haven't gotten your ticket(s) yet, what the hell are you waiting for? Go! Go on, now. Get off your duff, go to www.aclfest.com and don't worry: you can thank me later.

Until next time, kids . . .

Holly-Pop

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