Having lived in Austin for over 20 years, I like to call myself a True Austinite. Now that may sound pretentious, but we are a proud group of peeps, ya hear! :) And whenever Austin gets notoriety, in any positive way, we tend to ruffle our feathers a bit and grin ear to ear. Like I said we are proud.
Yet in a way, each and every person in this fine city is to thank for it. It is because of our eccentricity and 'weirdness' as some may call it, that make this place home for me. Relaxed attitudes, open minds and the prescription to supporting "local", not only allow our businesses to flourish, but it is what allows the people to do as well. I hope those who read my blog, who have never visited--feel inspired to do so. And those who are living in the city today--feel proud.
One thing, we are most proud of is Austin City Limits Music Festival. Minus a few years (darn college exams!), I have nearly attended every festival and have really watched it grow into the nationally and internationally known festival it is today. This year, we celebrate our 10th anniversary.
ACL Fest is a three-day music festival that takes place at Zilker Park, pretty much in the center of the city. Each year, not only do 130 musical groups come to play at the festival, but so do tons of local vendors to sell amazing food (some gluten free options too!) and art. Over 70,000 people come PER DAY to check it all out. Parking is a b*tch, but its all pretty fabulous!
I'd like to share with you some of my picks for the festival as well as my picks for the aftershows. What are you dying to see? Any suggestions?
-THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH-
-FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16TH-
Ray Lamontagne- 4:10pm-4:10pm @ AMD Stage
**Beardyman- 4:30pm-5:30pm @ BMI Stage (incredible one man band)
The Cold War Kids- 5:10pm-6:10pm @Honda Stage
Bright Eyes- 6:10pm-7:10pm @ AMD Stage
**Santigold- 7:10pm-8:10pm @ Honda Stage (this girl-- I love, really hope she plays some new stuff)
Santigold - Starstruck by diplo
Santigold - Starstruck by diplo
Pretty Lights- 7:30pm-8:30pm @ Google+ Stage
**Kanye West- 8:30pm-10pm @ Bud Light Stage ( we all know what he sounds like, here's to hoping for the best!)
-SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH-
**Aloe Blacc- 12:30pm-1:15pm @ Bud Light Stage
Phosphorescent- 2pm-2:45pm @ Austin Ventures Stage
**Iron & Wine- 4pm-5pm @ AMD Stage (this is my absolute favorite sone by Iron and Wine!)
**Fitz and the Tantrums- 5pm-6pm @ Honda Stage
**Cut Copy- 6pm-7pm @ AMD Stage ( Dance Party!)
**Chromeo- 7pm-8pm @ Honda Stage (Dance PArty x2!)
**STEVIE WONDER<--- YES! Are you serious!- 8pm-10pm@ Bud Light Stage
-SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH-
Ruby Jane- 11:20am-20pm @ Austin Ventures Stage(child violin prodigy!)
Milkdrive- 11:15am-12pm @ BMI Stage (shameful plug, my boyfriend made this video!)
**AWOLNATION - 3:30pm-4:30pm @ Honda Stage
**Chiddy Bang- 3:30pm-4:30pm @ Google+ Stage
**Manu Chao- 6:30pm-7:30pm @ AMD Stage
**Empire of the Sun- 7:30pm-8:30pm @ Google+ Stage (this is a Stephan Jacobs remix, its great, Empire of the Sun is even better..check 'em out!)
**Arcade Fire!- 8pm-10pm@ Bud Light Stage (For the Festival Finale!!)
** = I will be there! :)
Hope to run into some friendly faces!
♥ Much Love and I hope you all enjoy filling your heads with amazing music!
Mel
