I know we're probably going to be a bit unpopular for this opinion, and that's okay. But, honestly?! We're totally over ACL 2011 (even if it IS the 10th anniversary) and consider the line up a bit "meh" this year. So, no. We're not going. Yes, I know we're music junkies/snobs/devotees, etc. But, we made what we feel to be a well researched decision, and I don't think either of us will regret it. Here's why:
As I sit here typing, Austin's about 30 minutes into that aforementioned CTFA exam. He's been studying his arse off for the last 2 1/2 months, and his brain is fried. Also, I have a pretty big photo shoot on Sunday (details on this to come later), and I don't want to be exhausted for it. It's a biggie, so I have to be on my game.
Also, the last thing either of us wants to do is fight crowds, be on our feet all day, stand on tippie toes to see bands we've already seen before (we're hobbits, so "see bands" is not quite a literal description of our concert going activities), and pay $7 per beer. We didn't plan on going this year due to budgeting, but I was given some last minute tickets last night. And while we considered going, we ultimately decided to sell. And it's a good thing we did. My boss gave me the tickets, and she just found out that her husband has to have dental work done to the tune of about $400. So, $175 will definitely help her out. And us? Free money for making the deal happen. We gotz billz to pay too, yo!
Nonetheless, for those of you that are going, I figured I'd send make a list of tips we found useful in our past years spent at the fest:
1. As a female, bring Kleenex with you. The port-o-potties are cleaner than most at the festival, but you never want to be caught without the almighty TP after standing in line for 15-20 minutes.
2. The hand sanitizer goes quickly at the port-o-potties, so bring your own.
3. Baby wipes are life savers. Get the antibacterial ones, as these are great for quick cleanups, as well as wiping your hands off a few times throughout the days. Your hands will miraculously get gunky by way of just being outside among thousands of people in a park. Also, a good hand washing is amazingly refreshing in the Texas heat.
4. Bring water bottles. Period.
5. Wear super comfortable shoes, but if the Zilker grass is looking as good as it did 2 years ago before the mud saga, be sure to take them off and walk around barefoot. It's pretty divine. :)
6. Ear plugs. As a music enthusiast, protecting those canals is of utmost importance.
7. DO NOT GET PARTIED OUT ON FRIDAY!!! Save all of your major beer drinking for Saturday night or Sunday. Give yourself time to recoup for Monday, or if you're smart, just take Monday off, too. At least stroll into work a little late. You WILL be exhausted from all of the walking and heat.
8. Get a schedule and keep it with you at all times, being sure to figure out which stage is which. Oh, and bands typically start right on time, so factor in the 10 minute walk from one end of the park to the other if that's where your schedule takes you.
8. Ultimately, just have fun and enjoy the bands. I hear Coldplay puts on a good show, and I can tell you that the Delta Spirit is DEFINITELY worth checking out.
Be careful, and openly scold anyone you see smoking ANYTHING. The burn ban is serious, folks! Oh, and send my love to Mike Ness while you're at it.
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| ACL Fest 2008 - We were watching Beck. Now, THAT was an ACL lineup! |
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