Fun Fun Fun Fest 2008, Day Two

I am aware of the gap between my Day One post and my Day Two post, and I apologize to anybody who follows this blog for the delay. You see, on the Monday following Fun Fun Fun Fest I got caught up in another big event: Work Work Work Fest. But now that WWWF is over, I have the time to post some more photos and comments about last Sunday’s lineup, which included Islands (above), St. Vincent, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and others. Honestly, Day Two was a much weaker lineup than Day One in my opinion. But here come some more photos (with commentary!) anyway — hope you enjoy.

Austin City Limits Festival 2008, Day Three: or, The Dust Has Settled

Day 3 is always the do-or-die day for music festivals. It’s either the big finish or the anti-climax that will determine whether or not the 400 dollars you spent on tickets, parking, beer, food, merch, beer, and vitamin water was all worth it.

For me, ACL tends to wear out its welcome after two full days. The third morning of ACL weekend I’m always a little slower to get out of bed, and a little more eager to call it quits early. (Hey, some of us have work in the morning!) That’s when the Sunday lineup really makes the difference. As a whole, I wasn’t blown away by Sunday’s bill, with the exception of a few solid standouts (and an appearance by one of my current favorite bands). I didn’t get around to as many stages as I did on the previous two days, opting to stay at a few more shows and relax a bit. I also dropped by the press alcove for a drink and a comfy chair, and Blues Traveler was back there. The funny thing was that I didn’t recognize the slimmed-down John Popper, but I did recognize his distinctive hat.

And now: ACL 2008 Day Three, in words and pictures.

Austin City Limits Festival 2008, Day Two: or, Dust in My Lungs

Saturday morning I woke up with at least seven ounces of Zilker Park in my lungs and sinuses.

While I was prepared for the heat (Saturday was hotter then Friday; less cloudy and breezy), I was not prepared for what some have called the “ACL Mud Booger Plague.” If the sun doesn’t kill you, then the dust of Zilker Park will definitely make breathing difficult for about a week. I feel like a coal miner. Until yesterday, I never knew what someone meant when they told me to “eat dirt.” You know what? It’s not fun.

Saturday wasn’t as exciting as Friday band-wise, but like Day One, there were a few surprises. Like CSS.

Austin City Limits Festival 2008, Day One: or, Dust in the Wind

Greetings from the beer-pong table that I’ve converted to a desk:

I am privileged to bring you part one of the San Antonio Current’s 2008 Austin City Limits Festival coverage. This is my third ACL (unless my one-day 2007 pilgrimage to see Arcade Fire doesn’t count), and, considering myself a festival pro (I was at this year’s Lollapalooza, also), I thought I knew what to expect. I also wasn’t completely floored by this year’s lineup like previous years. However, what I originally thought was a lackluster schedule has proven so far to be surprisingly good, if not a little Friday-heavy. Another surprise: The weather was beautiful. Hot, but not humid — with plenty of breezes and occasional cloud cover. I still drank about 2 liters of water (and a few vodka-Red Bulls to keep my energy up) but like I said to the poor girl who threw up on her shoes waiting for Radiohead at Lollapalooza: In Texas, the heat will kill you. We don’t mess with the sun.

And now, my report from the front: