ACL (Non-BB)

[Limey]

Heading up there for Friday's show.  Any vets got some advice for a noob?

Already decided to nix the folding chairs - doesn't seem to have the same crowd style as JazzFest.  I'm guessing that we can't expect to be able to leave a camp at one stage and find it unoccupied when we come back.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[Lefty]

Never had a problem with people messing with our spot; spread out a blanket & leave the chairs & you should be fine.  Don't bother trying to get to it in the middle of a show, though.

It's not difficult to smuggle in a 6 pack or so & a flask. 

[Gizzmonic]

Heading up there for Friday's show.  Any vets got some advice for a noob?

Already decided to nix the folding chairs - doesn't seem to have the same crowd style as JazzFest.  I'm guessing that we can't expect to be able to leave a camp at one stage and find it unoccupied when we come back.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Also note that there are "chair free zones" this year. Last people would camp out 20 feet away from the stage, creating a tripping hazard. 

I'll be around there this weekend.  Keep an eye out for the guy dressed as a sheikh, come say hi if you see me. Really looking forward to seeing Louis XIV, Arctic Monkeys, My Morning Jacket and of course Dylan.
 

[Trey]

Heading up there for Friday's show.  Any vets got some advice for a noob?

Already decided to nix the folding chairs - doesn't seem to have the same crowd style as JazzFest.  I'm guessing that we can't expect to be able to leave a camp at one stage and find it unoccupied when we come back.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Get a camelbak if you don't have one.  Fill about 1/2 way up and freeze it overnight.  When you get to the show fill it the rest of the way with the free water they have.  (You can't bring more than two unopened bottles of water in, but you can bring ice.)  It all depends on who you get checking you when you walk in.  Some will let you walk in with a cooler full of beer and food.  Some will make you dump out open bottles of water.

Bring cash

Cell coverage is pretty spotty due to the number of people in the small area.  Plan on text msg.

I never bring a chair, but I like to move around stages quite a bit.

Save yourself $3 and bring your own koozie

Wear lots of sunscreen and a hat, preferably one that will shade your ears and neck (not a baseball cap)

Go early.  The early to mid afternoon bands are the most enjoyable because there aren't as many people there, especially on Friday.

[kevwun]

I've heard from so many people that Dylan is bad in concert.  I don't give a shit, it's still going to be awesome seeing him live.

[Limey]

I've heard from so many people that Dylan is bad in concert.  I don't give a shit, it's still going to be awesome seeing him live.

I've seen him twice live.  Once at JazzFest and once at the rodeo.  Both times he was incomprehensible and, because he's rearranged most of his classics, you have no idea what he's singing.

I'm still happy that I saw him, but it's not a great gig, IMHO.

[Limey]

Never had a problem with people messing with our spot; spread out a blanket & leave the chairs & you should be fine.  Don't bother trying to get to it in the middle of a show, though.

It's not difficult to smuggle in a 6 pack or so & a flask. 

Thanks.  I think we'll still just take a blanket and remain mobile.  For the bigger bands towards the end, I'm sure everyone will be standing.

[Limey]

Also note that there are "chair free zones" this year. Last people would camp out 20 feet away from the stage, creating a tripping hazard. 

I'll be around there this weekend.  Keep an eye out for the guy dressed as a sheikh, come say hi if you see me. Really looking forward to seeing Louis XIV, Arctic Monkeys, My Morning Jacket and of course Dylan.
 

Can't make it Saturday, so I'll miss the Monkeys.  They're playing in Houston on Monday, but I can't make that either.  The Friday lineup looks good, but Mrs Limey is planning the day so I'll just go with the flow.

I'll watch for you getting beaten up by Homeland Security at the door.

[Limey]

Get a camelbak if you don't have one.  Fill about 1/2 way up and freeze it overnight.  When you get to the show fill it the rest of the way with the free water they have.  (You can't bring more than two unopened bottles of water in, but you can bring ice.)  It all depends on who you get checking you when you walk in.  Some will let you walk in with a cooler full of beer and food.  Some will make you dump out open bottles of water.

Bring cash

Cell coverage is pretty spotty due to the number of people in the small area.  Plan on text msg.

I never bring a chair, but I like to move around stages quite a bit.

Save yourself $3 and bring your own koozie

Wear lots of sunscreen and a hat, preferably one that will shade your ears and neck (not a baseball cap)

Go early.  The early to mid afternoon bands are the most enjoyable because there aren't as many people there, especially on Friday.

Thanks.  I heard that some vendors take plastic, but that most take cash only.  Are the concessions a real rip?  We weren't planning on bringing a cooler because the two bottles of water limit made it seem pointless.  For just one day, we'll grease up and pay what they're charging.

I have a straw Stetson for just such occasions...

[Ty in Tampa]

Last year, beer was $4, sodas $3, if I recall. The food vendors were much like they are at JazzFest. Good portions and not too expensive. The lines are hideous around typical mealtimes so try to make it off-peak for food.

I'll be there all weekend but plan to bug out after Wilco on Sunday. Seen Bob twice so I don't need to brave the crowds to get out.

Oh, and no plastic for food or beer, only merchandise.

[Taras Bulba]

I'll be dropping off/picking up ungrateful teenagers--any advice on where, etc.?

[NeilT]

Months ago my daughter talked me into going to see Dylan, who I hadn't seen since 1974.

I'm too old for this.

[Ty in Tampa]

I've never picked up or dropped off but this is from the ACLFest site:

"Passenger Drop Off
The passenger drop-off area is at the north end of the Mopac (Loop 1) Pedestrian Bridge on Stephen F. Austin Drive. The pedestrian footbridge runs underneath Mopac. This is the closest drop point to the Festival grounds. It is a short walk across the footbridge. Access the drop off point by entering Stephen F. Austin Drive from the east. This is the only official drop off point. It's quick and easy. For safety reasons, please don't attempt to drop off passengers at other areas near the park."

[NeilT]

Months ago my daughter talked me into going to see Dylan, who I hadn't seen since 1974.

I'm too old for this.

Come to think of it, Bob Dylan's too old for this.

[Limey]

Come to think of it, Bob Dylan's too old for this.

Maybe he should team up with Zeppelin and make some kind of super-old group.  The Travelling Zimmerframes, or something like that.

[Gizzmonic]

Come to think of it, Bob Dylan's too old for this.

And so is Danny Glover.

[mihoba]

Come to think of it, Bob Dylan's too old for this.

One is never too old to rake in piles of cash.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I always say I'm not going but I always end up going. Looks like the weather and ground conditions this year will be the best ever. I'm gonna be there just Friday too. Looking forward to seeing The Greyhoounds, Heartless Bastards, Crowded House, Spoon, Bjork, and as many acts as I can catch in between... any recommendations?

Kind of a bummer about The White Stripes cancelling.

I'd be carefull trying to sneak in anything not allowed unless you're prepared to have it confiscated.

Saw Dylan in his prime at the Dome years ago, 1976, the Rolling Thunder Revue benefit for Hurricane Carter. Then saw him five years ago in San Antonio. It just wasn't the same. But if you've never, you must. He's freaking Dylan.

[Trey]

Last year, beer was $4, sodas $3, if I recall. The food vendors were much like they are at JazzFest. Good portions and not too expensive. The lines are hideous around typical mealtimes so try to make it off-peak for food.

I'll be there all weekend but plan to bug out after Wilco on Sunday. Seen Bob twice so I don't need to brave the crowds to get out.

Oh, and no plastic for food or beer, only merchandise.

Those prices jive with my memory, as well.  The best deal in the place is the Sweet Leaf Tea.  Giant cup filled with ice and sweet tea goodness for, like, $2.

Re: getting there.  If someone can drop you off, that's great.  The line for cabs is AWFUL.  We left an hour early the year before last and waited 1 1/2 hours for a cab.  We tried to get a cab to pick us up and take us one year and the wait we were quoted was over an hour.  The line for the shuttle buses to the designated parking lots isn't much better.  Your best bet is to drive early, park as close as you can and walk or bike the rest of the way, IMO.  If you'd like my tips on where to park PM me.

[juliogotay]

I always say I'm not going but I always end up going. Looks like the weather and ground conditions this year will be the best ever. I'm gonna be there just Friday too. Looking forward to seeing The Greyhoounds, Heartless Bastards, Crowded House, Spoon, Bjork, and as many acts as I can catch in between... any recommendations?

Kind of a bummer about The White Stripes cancelling.

I'd be carefull trying to sneak in anything not allowed unless you're prepared to have it confiscated.

Saw Dylan in his prime at the Dome years ago, 1976, the Rolling Thunder Revue benefit for Hurricane Carter. Then saw him five years ago in San Antonio. It just wasn't the same. But if you've never, you must. He's freaking Dylan.

Saw Dylan at Hofheinz when The Band was his band. Awesome. Pretty straight up renditions of his music, he had his voice. That was like 73-74.

[Ty in Tampa]

Those prices jive with my memory, as well.  The best deal in the place is the Sweet Leaf Tea.  Giant cup filled with ice and sweet tea goodness for, like, $2.

Re: getting there.  If someone can drop you off, that's great.  The line for cabs is AWFUL.  We left an hour early the year before last and waited 1 1/2 hours for a cab.  We tried to get a cab to pick us up and take us one year and the wait we were quoted was over an hour.  The line for the shuttle buses to the designated parking lots isn't much better.  Your best bet is to drive early, park as close as you can and walk or bike the rest of the way, IMO.  If you'd like my tips on where to park PM me.

The shuttles getting there aren't bad, but leaving can really suck if you wait til the end of the last set. But I don't think I waited any more than 30-45 minutes in the worst shuttle line. The issue with them is where to park downtown on Friday during work hours.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I recommend riding a bicycle if feasable. I'm in the Travis Heights area, so it's about a three mile ride for me.  It's possible to park much closer than that. You can't park your car in the immediate neighborhood by Zilker Park, but one can still get pretty close. One can ride up to the multitude of racks right by the entrance gate. I've found it so much easier and less stressful to bike away as opposed to waiting for transportation.

[Limey]

The shuttles getting there aren't bad, but leaving can really suck if you wait til the end of the last set. But I don't think I waited any more than 30-45 minutes in the worst shuttle line. The issue with them is where to park downtown on Friday during work hours.

Crap!  Hadn't thought about that.  I presumed that the shuttle left from a parking lot but that doesn't seem to be the case.  I suppose that's why it's called a shuttle and not a park 'n' ride.

So is parking near the shuttle pick up (Republic Square) a joke?

[Ty in Tampa]

Just when I had the Waterloo Park area parking down pat after my first 3 ACLFests, they move the fucking shuttles to Republic Park. I only parked on Friday last year and it was sketchy but I didn't have a lot of time to search for good spots. I'm  hoping it's not too bad this year but I don't know.

You can study up a bit here.

[austro]

Wear lots of sunscreen and a hat, preferably one that will shade your ears and neck (not a baseball cap)

Some of you may still be young enough to benefit from this advice; follow it. I wore only baseball caps during my early decades, and I now have a carved-up ear, multiple neck scars, and semi-annual check-ups for new developments to show for it.

[Taras Bulba]

An asshole frat brother of mine flew in and has forced me to attend ACL with him.  Don't expect a whole helluva lot in terms of the Monday Brewers series preview (not that it's ever been worth a shit anyway). 

I'll be wearing a blue Astros hat with the "H" and the orange star, shirtless, and carrying a "John 3:16" sign in one hand and a Shiner in the other.  Find me and I'll buy you a brew.

[JimR]

An asshole frat brother of mine flew in and has forced me to attend ACL with him.  Don't expect a whole helluva lot in terms of the Monday Brewers series preview (not that it's ever been worth a shit anyway). 

I'll be wearing a blue Astros hat with the "H" and the orange star, shirtless, and carrying a "John 3:16" sign in one hand and a Shiner in the other.  Find me and I'll buy you a brew.

fucking slacker

[Ty in Tampa]

Only draft beer @ the fest this year, and expensive at that. What the fuck are they thinking?

[Limey]

Post-gig report:

Got parked for free on the street on Rio Grande opposite Wahoo's.  Used their toilets, but we bought some of their food at the festival so we think we're justified.  Took the shuttle out there.  Saw John somebody and the Astronauts, who we're ok but nothing special.  Amy Lavere was interesting, not many rock-chicks play a double bass.  Blond Redhead were excellent.  LCD Soundsystem we're good but I think that if I had to go on a road trip with I'd be in a fistfight with the frontman in a matter of hours.

The Gotan Peoject was out of left field.  From Argentina and France, the took the stage in matching evening dress.  Everyone from the hawt singer, the lead guitarist and the two DJs to the accordion player, the classical pianist and the hawt chicks on cellos and violins.  No I wasn't smoking anything (although I think the air was 75% weed most of the day).  Amazing sound from this crew, and sexy women in sexy dresses singing sexy songs in Spanish has a certain appeal that I can't put my finger on...

The Killers set was mobbed and they don't have the sound to project to a big space, so we bailed on them earlier than planned and went for Bjork.  She was blowing down trees at the other end with that voice coming from that mouth that can open to 180 degrees.  Great set.

The shuttle line to get out of there was insane.  We walked down to Barton Springs and hadn't reached the end, so we just kept on walking to Lamar and then back to town.  Took about 30 mins, which put us an hour ahead at least of where we'd be if we'd lined up for the bus.

Fun day.

[Taras Bulba]

I thought The Killers put on a great show.

Otherwise, real hit and miss on the music.  Beer selection not great, but put a dent into what they had.

Here's my series preview for Monday: We suck. 

Yes, I'm a goddamn slacker.

[Limey]

I thought The Killers put on a great show.

Otherwise, real hit and miss on the music.  Beer selection not great, but put a dent into what they had.

Here's my series preview for Monday: We suck. 

Yes, I'm a goddamn slacker.

Beer was all Bud products*, including the evil perpetrated exclusively on us Texans: Ziegenbock.  I had a long drive home, so I was on the agua all day.  A few deep breaths every now and then was enough to get a good buzz going.

The fire started in a trailer but expanded to the propane "farm" near the food stands.  4 Bud employees were hurt, two critically according to reports.  Not good.

[Taras Bulba]

Arcade Fire was highly entertaining on Saturday night.  Arctic Monkeys should be euthanized.

[Gizzmonic]

The speakers caught on fire at the Björk show.  I was about 300 ft away from the main stage, near the sound booth, when I saw a what looked like a red "V" peeking through the gigantic ACL banner.  "Is that an effect," I asked my buddy Billy.

"Don't think so," he replied, but I wasn't convinced because there were intricate laser effects everywhere.  I stomped over about 15 feet so I could see the other banner, just to check if it had the same effect.  Nope.  After the song, Björk said, in her magical elfin way, "The speakers went on fire, but we don't care.  We're going to play some more for you," or something like that.  Terrific show, although the crowd seemed a little dead.  Then again, drinking all day in the hot sun will do that to you...

Beer was all Bud products*, including the evil perpetrated exclusively on us Texans: Ziegenbock.  I had a long drive home, so I was on the agua all day.  A few deep breaths every now and then was enough to get a good buzz going.

The fire started in a trailer but expanded to the propane "farm" near the food stands.  4 Bud employees were hurt, two critically according to reports.  Not good.

[NeilT]

We mostly stuck to the old guy venues, where there wasn't much marijuana, but lots of guys who hadn't figured out they were too old to take there shirts off.  I think I saw Bob Marley's grandson on a stage somewhere, but from where we were it was hard to tell.

I thought Yo La Tengo was terrific, but no one around me did.  I was across the field from a couple of bands, but the one that I almost got up to walk across to see was DeVotchKa.  I wasn't sure they would have been as good close up, though.

I particularly wanted to see Lucinda Williams.  I've liked her a long time, I've never seen her, and her new album is brilliant.  She was terrific, but if I ever sit next to her on an airplane, I'm not saying nothing.  That's one scary woman.

Bob Dylan played too late for us.  It was past my bed time, so we left our kids and came back to Houston.  Hope they find a ride.

[Limey]

We mostly stuck to the old guy venues, where there wasn't much marijuana, but lots of guys who hadn't figured out they were too old to take there shirts off.  I think I saw Bob Marley's grandson on a stage somewhere, but from where we were it was hard to tell.

I thought Yo La Tengo was terrific, but no one around me did.  I was across the field from a couple of bands, but the one that I almost got up to walk across to see was DeVotchKa.  I wasn't sure they would have been as good close up, though.

I particularly wanted to see Lucinda Williams.  I've liked her a long time, I've never seen her, and her new album is brilliant.  She was terrific, but if I ever sit next to her on an airplane, I'm not saying nothing.  That's one scary woman.

Bob Dylan played too late for us.  It was past my bed time, so we left our kids and came back to Houston.  Hope they find a ride.

You didn't stick around for the Arctic Monkeys?

[Taras Bulba]

The Arctic Monkeys missed out on a great name: "Snivelling Little Pricks."

Lucinda Williams really has a bigger voice than she allows on most of her songs.  She's not my cup of tea, but I can see why she has a following.  I think that she probably scares the shit out of penicillin.

[chandler44]

I wasn't able to make it to town for ACL, but I did catch Arcade Fire on the live webcast on AT&T's website.  It was a good show.

[NeilT]

You didn't stick around for the Arctic Monkeys?

I'm afraid the Arctic Monkeys have come and apparently gone without much notice from me.  We went to see Beau Soleil, which is more my speed, and also in the shade.

[NeilT]

I think that she probably scares the shit out of penicillin.

that just about sums it up.  She must be the most post punk alternative country blues folk indie rocker that I can't describe.  And old to boot.

Anybody know what Dylan sang?  My son was trying to describe it to me, but mostly I got the lack of voice, and the mass of people.

[HudsonHawk]

that just about sums it up.  She must be the most post punk alternative country blues folk indie rocker that I can't describe.  And old to boot.

So what are you saying...you don't have wild fantasies bout Lucinda and Emmylou Harris on a bearskin rug?

[JimR]

that just about sums it up.  She must be the most post punk alternative country blues folk indie rocker that I can't describe.  And old to boot.

Anybody know what Dylan sang?  My son was trying to describe it to me, but mostly I got the lack of voice, and the mass of people.

i had lunch today with a woman who saw him. she said it was awful, and they left after an hour. no voice, and he could not be understood.

[NeilT]

So what are you saying...you don't have wild fantasies bout Lucinda and Emmylou Harris on a bearskin rug?

No fantasies about Lucinda Williams whatsoever.  I'd bet that Lucinda is a rich part of the fantasy life of someone who wears leather, rides a Harley, and keeps her hair buzzed short.

[NeilT]

i had lunch today with a woman who saw him. she said it was awful, and they left after an hour. no voice, and he could not be understood.

I gather it was more event than music.

[Tralfaz]

You didn't stick around for the Arctic Monkeys?

Arctic Monkeys rocked.  There was easy access to the side fill, stage right all day, and from there they were the loudest band I saw the entire fest.  Seen 'em put on a pretty lame show at Stubb's last year, but they were very into it this time around and tore through a blazing set.  Ran into them later at Opal Divines and were very friendly.  Arcade Fire were awsome as well.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Lucinda Williams is one of the greatest songwriters of the past 30 years. She's 54 years old and still kicks ass.

[NeilT]

Lucinda Williams is one of the greatest songwriters of the past 30 years. She's 54 years old and still kicks ass.

And she was terrific live.  Just not what I want in my fantasy life.

[JimR]

I gather it was more event than music.

right. in fact, she said no music from him but a great band.

[kevwun]

We made it through about 4 or 5 songs before we left.  His voice was very, very bad.  It was very guttural and it was like he was choking on the words.  I did hear that he got better as the night went on and did a good job when he got to the end and sang Like a Rolling Stone.  I heard he was bad before from a number of people, but he was worse than I had prepared for.  He played at Stubb's the night before, which probably made his voice worse than normal.  Wish I could have seen him in his prime.

[JimR]

We made it through about 4 or 5 songs before we left.  His voice was very, very bad.  It was very guttural and it was like he was choking on the words.  I did hear that he got better as the night went on and did a good job when he got to the end and sang Like a Rolling Stone.  I heard he was bad before from a number of people, but he was worse than I had prepared for.  He played at Stubb's the night before, which probably made his voice worse than normal.  Wish I could have saw him in his prime.

"could have saw"

[Ty in Tampa]

No love for Wilco? Anyone?

[Craig]

No love for Wilco? Anyone?

I'm going to see Wilco tonight in Little Rock.

[Ty in Tampa]

I'm going to see Wilco tonight in Little Rock.

They just get better and better. Nels is amazing.

[Reuben]

We mostly stuck to the old guy venues, where there wasn't much marijuana, but lots of guys who hadn't figured out they were too old to take there shirts off.  I think I saw Bob Marley's grandson on a stage somewhere, but from where we were it was hard to tell.

I thought Yo La Tengo was terrific, but no one around me did.  I was across the field from a couple of bands, but the one that I almost got up to walk across to see was DeVotchKa.  I wasn't sure they would have been as good close up, though.

I particularly wanted to see Lucinda Williams.  I've liked her a long time, I've never seen her, and her new album is brilliant.  She was terrific, but if I ever sit next to her on an airplane, I'm not saying nothing.  That's one scary woman.

Bob Dylan played too late for us.  It was past my bed time, so we left our kids and came back to Houston.  Hope they find a ride.

Shit, I've ignored this thread for days because I thought it was about someone's Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

Neil, I saw DeVotchka at a small club in Boston last year (not having heard of them; a friend insisted I go) and they were ridiculously good. Very fun. I've seen Yo La Tengo twice, both very good, although I think they have a tendency to play whatever/however they want regardless of crowd response. Ira Kaplan can play the hell out of that guitar...