Ahhh, the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Where do I begin?
For those of you silly enough to never have been to Austin, go to Austin! It’s like a little slice of heaven on earth. The people are friendly, the streets are clean, and there is so much to do and see you’ll have to live there for a year to be able to experience it all. Craig, Paul, Chris, and I were all lucky enough to get a large helping of what the capitol city has to offer this past weeked at the festival. We were all also lucky enough to attend the first ever ACL Festival, and if they decide to do it again every year (which, judging by this past weekend, they probably will) I’m going to be making it an annual event in my life.
Day One: Saturday
The first show of the day was Gillian Welch. You’re probably familiar with her voice, even if you don’t know the name. If you’ve seen Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou? then you’ve heard Gillian Welch’s music. That same down-to-earth and grassroots heart was appearant Saturday afternoon. Earthy and beautiful, Gillian had one of the warmest performances of the day.
Next came Patty Griffin. What can I say about Patty that hasn’t already been said? She came onstage in a flowing top the color of summer grapes, her long red hair flowing out behind her like fine strands of copper. It’s like God knew she’d be facing one direction so He made the wind blow toward her, making her look like an angel. Perfection in every way, Patty’s set was like listening to a soft rain just as you’re falling asleep.
After Patty, we got some ice cream, hung out in the grass, and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. Life was wonderful . . . until I got attacked by the devil. Here’s a little tip to all outdoor concert goers: Look before you sit. We got to Bob Schneider’s stage a little early to get a good seat. Instead, I got the worst seat of all. I literally ended up with ants in my pants. Nearing panic and sure the biting was never going to stop, Chris and I found a garden hose and, well . . . I ended up giving four lucky festival goers and a couple of police officers an exclusive wet t-shirt contest. But I’ll tell you what, a blast of icy water up my shirt and down the back of my pants never felt so great.
After ending the attack against my ass, Chris and I returned to the stage to catch Bob Schneider’s set. We were much farther away then the time I saw him at Trees, but the effect was still the same. In addition to being incredibly hot and smoldering, Bob is creative and original. He involves the audience in everything. He’s flirty, sassy, and sexy, and makes listening to music an unbelieveably fun experience.
Day Two: Sunday
Sunburned but feeling relaxed, the boys and I made our way back to Zilker Park for the final day of the festival. First on our list was James McMurtry. But, to tell you the truth, I don’t really remember much of that set. It was the woman that came next that made the whole festival.
Ruthie Foster.
She played an hour set of her wholesome, hearty, and heartfelt music. There is nothing I can say about Ruthie that can equal the love, beauty, and warmth that she exudes. I had the pleasure of seeing her at Kerrville, but her performance in Austin blew me away. There are no real words. Honestly. I’m at a loss. Just go to www.ruthiefoster.com This is the place where I usually tell you all to download her music, but no! This time, go out and try to find one of her CDs. Ms. Foster is worth your money.
The rest of the day was pale after Ruthie, but not entirely a wash. G. Love and the Special Sauce were funky enough to get you . . . well, I’m not gonna tell you just how funky they were. I’ll let your dirty little minds fill in the blanks. Eric Johnson was a nice surprise; whoever was running his sound was god-awful, but what got through was amazing. And Ryan Adams was funny, fresh, and I think he was a little high too.
The sun was just beginning to turn red and sink below the hills when the boys and I left the festival. All in all, the Austin City Limits Festival did its job. Since Kerrville, I’ve yet to feel that wonderful for so long, surrounded by so much music and love, the crowds were awesome, the performers fabulous . . . I’ve already said it, but I really do hope they decide to continue this festival.
I cannot describe the feeling of outdoor music festivals. My suggestion to all of you is to check your local papers and city websites regularly for these kinds of events. Even if you do it just once a year, go to a music festival; it’ll make you a better person.
Well, not really, but it’ll make you feel a lot better about yourself.
Holls
