Rhett Miller, CF Benefit, Dallas, Nov. 17, 2012

It was a last minute decision to head to Dallas to support Rhett Miller for this worthy cause, the Cystic Fibrosis Benefit, held at the Granada Theater. Rhett's been doing this event for several years, and he performs solo, first at an intimate VIP setting and then later with a full band and set. He was joined on stage by Texas stars Joe Reyes of Buttercup, Salim Nourallah (who has produced several Old 97's and Rhett Miller projects) and Jason Garner (Polyphonic Spree, I Love Math).

This is Rhett's hometown, so there were lots of people on hand to enjoy selections from throughout his career.

It was an added treat that local media personality Gordon Keith joined Rhett to sing Time After Time. 

Fastball, F1 Fan Fest, Nov. 16, 2012

Austin didn't quite know what to expect when the Formula One racers where scheduled to come to town for the Circuit of the Americas. The race drew thousands of guests from around the world, and they got to enjoy some great music downtown between events. I made it out on Friday night and got to see Fastball. The crowd was treated to old favorites like Fire Escape, Out of My Head, and of course, The Way. 

Noel Gallagher & Snow Patrol, Austin Music Hall, Nov. 8, 2012

An unusual double-bill gave me the chance to see two acts I actually had never seen live before. Noel Gallagher, half of the legendary duo of Oasis, played both classic hits like Supersonic and new selections from his new project High Flying Birds. 

Then Snow Patrol closed the show with their bevy of anthemic, catchy pop tunes. It was a great night of music.

ACL Fest 2012, Day 3

It's hard to believe it's all over. That was a quick three days. Lots of fun. Sunday had my faves Old 97's, and a good crowd, even though they were up against Iggy Pop and Avett Brothers. Got to see locals The Eastern Sea and a couple new acts, Royal Teeth and The Dunwells. Enjoyed all of them. Tried to hear Lumineers, but the booking on a medium-sized stage was a bad idea. They're pretty popular, so their crowd was overflowing. Couldn't hear in several spots, until we went around to the back of the stage. That was probably the weekend's biggest disappointment.

After Old 97's, I did manage to make it over for the last few Iggy Pop songs. A legend. Can't believe he's still kickin' it like that after all these years. And, even though I wasn't in a position to get good photos for Chili Peppers, I got a little video. A highlight had to be as I was moving through the crowd to get closer while they were singing Under the Bridge. Everyone was singing along. It was beautiful.

That's another ACL for the books. Now we start thinking about which weekend for ACL we want to choose when tickets go on sale soon and praying for that one cool weather fest next year. And planning for SXSW...

The Eastern Sea

Lumineers

How I Actually Heard Lumineers

Royal Teeth

Dunwells

Iggy Pop and the Stooges

ACL Fest 2012, Day 2

Day 2 started off with a bang, a loud and maniacal one, with my friends from Quiet Company. They played 11am like it was midnight. Lots of energy, full band, singers, cello, trombone, two keyboards. It's big. I had to smile as I walked out of the crowd and heard a random man say "That's the best act I've seen all weekend." Check them out. Rufus Wainwright was also outstanding.

Yes, it rained, but we're veterans here at ACL Fest. And it rained during the night, so today should be interesting.

Quiet Company

Rufus Wainwright

Civil Twilight

The Shins

Kishi  Bashi

Neil Young

ACL Fest 2012, Day 1

Day 1 was great. A little warmer than I would like for mid-October, but hey, it's ACL. Highlights were Afghan Whigs and Weezer. Yes, I'm trapped in the '90s.

On to Day 2!

Afghan Whigs

Ben Howard

Delta Spirit

M. Ward

Weezer

Black Keys