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

Ben Folds Five, Stubbs, Sept. 24, 2012

I was making up for lost time (I haven't hit many shows lately due to work busy-ness) by heading out for another outdoor show when I returned to Austin. Ben Folds Five is back together for a reunion tour, and I couldn't miss. I saw BF5 several times in the '90s and Ben solo a few times since. It's always a great show, and his fans are the best, singing along with every word. Nice to see Darren and Robert with him again.

Wilco, Berkeley, Greek Theater, Sept. 21, 2012

I couldn't believe my luck when I check Pollstar in advance of a trip to San Francisco for a work conference and saw that Wilco had a two-night stand in Berkeley. I couldn't pass it up. It was completely worth the 45 minute BART ride and mile uphill hike to the venue. It was a perfect night for an outdoor show. I only had my phone with me, so photos are so-so. But the video is California Stars, which seemed appropriate. Heard lots of favorites, Impossible Germany, Box Full of Letters, I'm the Man Who Loves You, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Heavy Metal Drummer, Shot in the Arm...

There's a nice review here, with some better photos and more video.

So ready for Wilco to come back to Austin!

Girl in a Coma, Frank, Aug. 31, 2012

I was very excited when my friends Daniel Senyard and Shannon Delaney of Vivogig invited me to the  launch party of the music photo app. One of my favorite Texas bands, Girl in a Coma, was playing. I interviewed them a few years back on the Gibson bus during SXSW, and they are talented and nice people.

The show was at Frank, upscale hot dog joint by day, music some nights. Openers were also great - the Baker Family and Mobley. It was an excellent time.