Title inspired/plagiarized from Mumford & Sons, who said he loved this festival but all he has smelt in the last few days has been BBQ, BO and weed. It is one of the truest statements I've heard. And no family, I did not partake in the weed aspect of this festival... just the BBQ and BO.
Before I moved to Austin. Before I had rented my house. Before I had gotten our U-Haul figured out. Before I even knew when exactly I'd be moving down to Texas. I had gotten myself Austin City Limits [ACL] tickets. #priorities
Trying to chronologically describe this weekend, seems lengthy and boring [for me to write and you to read] so I'm going to break this down in a few ways -- first the tips I learned going to ACL, and second the "best of's" at ACL.
What I learned
Don't bring a bag
This might be easier said than done, especially for individuals who are purse-dependent. But there is a "no bag line" and
it's a very pleasant and short line, which is worth wearing an outfit with pockets.
Do bring a water bottle
Hydration stations were the lifesavers of this event... quite literally. Try to spend three days in 95 degree heat and not have access to water at all times -- actually please don't, I think we are smart enough to imagine the outcome and we understand it's not good. ACL understood it too, which is why by each stage they had a station where you could fill up a water bottle... with water. You can see a water bottle in all my photos, because that shit was important.
They don't check water bottles THAT closely
Look drinks are expensive, and it's pretty much wine and mediocre beer (except in the beer tent). If you are like me and believe wine is to be drank in cold months or at least in air conditioning that means all you have is beer. And if you are REALLY like me you aren't playing with gluten then you get one type of cider... all day.
On day two, we were over that game and put some mixed drinks in our water bottles. My brother got through with no problem on attempt one. However, Joy and I weren't as lucky. It took us three different lines to find one that didn't ask us to open our bottles, but eventually we
got through.
I'm not explaining this to sound like an alcohol dependent person, I'm saying this to sound like a person who'd like to save you all $20 and give you a bit of a switch up from the Miller Lite -- so you are welcome.
Don't wear jeans
It's hot, chafing is a real thing people. Don't put jean material up between your legs... you are just asking for a painful experience. I saw many people doing it, there were many cute jeans shorts, but I'm just putting it out there, maybe don't.
Drink water
I said above to bring a water bottle, but for those in the back -- DRINK THE WATER. It was very hot and three days out in the sun, you need to be pushing water, especially if you are throwing in a few beers.
Best Of's
All categories are only off of the people I got to see, if you disagree, you disagree. I'm not a professional music critic, but I do think I have better taste in music than many, so take this with whatever weight you'd like.
Best Musicians
This category is for the artists who are just musically talented. You know what I mean? They are the artists that get the -- they don't play my type of music, but they are good -- comments.
Raconteurs - They have Jack White so it's kind of hard to top them in my opinion.
Gary Clark Jr. - If you haven't seen him live, I'd go. I've seen him twice and he is such a skilled guitarist.
Guns & Roses - Again, guitar, Slash, super fun to watch.
Looking at this list I may very well be bias towards great guitar skills... but I'm cool with this bias.
Runner Up: Mumford and Sons, they are a great band and are very musically talented. I can't put them on the level of White or Clark, but still better than the vast majority.
Best Performers
This category is for the artists who gave a little extra in making their sets a true performance.
Lizzo - I'm a Minnesota girl, it's hard for me to not put Lizzo in here. But even with my bias, she was truly a blast to watch live, and the majority of ACL-goers would agree considering she had one of the largest crowds of the weekend.
Pink Sweat$ - I didn't know much about him prior. My brother really wanted to make it to him. And I'm glad we did, he was a great performer. Also, I appreciate a man who can rock pink, it's a skill I don't possess.
Judah & the Lions - If any band was meant to perform at festivals it's them. I tipped my hat to their performance. If you ever find yourself at a festival and they are on the lineup, don't miss them.
Overall Best
There are so many people I want to say were the best because I loved listening to them including Raconteurs, Tyler Childers, Pink Sweat$, Lizzo, and Mumford and Sons. But there was one winner...
Childish Gambino
His performance was ___ [put a word here that isn't as basic as great, lame as epic or cliche as phenomenal -- but gets at the root of all those words]. Talking about "best performers" Childish's performance, was just that... a performance. Being there was awesome, and I'm glad we stuck around for the entire thing... even if calling an Uber was a bitch afterwards.
With that year one at ACL is over. I survived with no sunburn, no hangover, and no dehydration, I'd call that a success.
Advice: Don't be the Cardi B of ACL.
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