ACL 2011

I had such a great time at the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) this year. We saw some great bands, had some delicious food, and enjoyed the company of wonderful friends.

The weather was amaaazing. Friday it lightly rained and Saturday it POURED on us as we walked into the entrance of ACL. One might question why I describe this as amaaazing. However, if you are questioning it, you must not know about the incredible drought we have had in Texas and that we received more rain in January then we did between February and September, at least here in south Texas. It was awesome. Everyone raised their faces to the sky to receive the refreshing first few drops as they were released from the clouds. On Sunday we had to endure the steam of the intense Austin heat sending the rain back up, but it was still worth it.

To put it quite simply, ACL is not just about the killer bands you get to see and hear, it is an experience. You are among THOUSANDS of people all day until about 10:30 at night Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You sit with your friends in messy circles from one stage to the next as you wait for the bands to play. A forest of legs surround you from the people who stand up early. The food. Oh, the food. Once a year I look forward to Mighty Cone; a paper cone-cup lined with a tortilla and filled with cabbage slaw, crispy fried avocado, shrimp, or chicken that is coated with a mouth-watering Jack Daniels tasting sauce with sesame seeds, and then everything is drizzled with a super yummy spicy sauce. As good as this sounds, once I have one, that is all I need. Then it's on to Bess Bistro (crispy artichoke hearts)-owned by Sandra Bullock, Aquarelle (steak frit sandwich), or Boomerang's Pies (thai veggie pie). I drink Sweet Leaf Mint & Honey Greet Tea the entire time. Austin has some of the best options for local food. If you haven't already, definitely check some of them out.

Steak frit sandwich

Mighty Cone

Friday was jam-packed , pun intended, with amazing bands. We saw Theophilus London, Wild Beasts, Brandi Carlile, Delta Spirit, James Blake, Ray LaMontagne, Cold War Kids, Foster the People, Pretty Lights, and Kanye West.

Betsy's graduation present from us: Her 1st ACL!

2003 was OUR 1st ACL

Saturday was another great day filled with fun and music. We saw Young the Giant, City and Colour, Iron and Wine, Skrillix, Cut Copy, Chromeo, and Stevie Wonder.

Taking a break from the rain during City and Colour

Betsy, drenched from being just back from front row @ Skrillix

Group picture before Stevie Wonder

On Sunday we slowed it down a little and had a nice brunch at Juan in a Million (get it?). We were exhausted from the last couple days of jumping around and endless walking. It wasn't hard to get back in gear though because we had an awesome last day to look forward to. We saw The Airborne Toxic Event, AWOLNATION, Ryan Bingham, Fleet Foxes, and Arcade Fire.

Juan in a Million brunch

The start of day 3..waiting for The Airborne Toxic Event

We enjoyed staying on the ground for Ryan Bingham with our friends.

My "baby" sister didn't know how tiring ACL can be!

On our way to Arcade Fire!

I love this guy. Especially when I have him with me watching one of my favorite bands-Arcade Fire.

Last week we got our 2012 tickets for ACL. We don't know who is playing, but you know what? We never do. We always get our tickets prior to knowing what the line-up is and it is always worth it.

As I finish this post and begin to prepare my Hawaii post, while it is still October 5th, I have mention that today is Matt's birthday.

Happy birthday, Matt! I am so thankful for the day you were born!!

If music be the food of love, play on. -Natalie