Cupcakes & Handbags

Just got home from Day One of the Austin City Limits Festival.

I am exhausted and in desperate need of a shower but I wanted to write down some thoughts on what a good day it was.

• I was so excited to try these supposedly tasty little delights that Steph told me about called “Chicken Cones” from Hudson’s on the Bend but the line was so long that I couldn’t wait and make it to the AMD stage to shoot N.E.R.D. So, Eric and I settled on gyros from a place I’ve never heard of called Pureheart. Mistake. Tomorrow, I will work all-things-Chicken-Cone into my schedule, even if it means hauling ass to the park for the opening gate at 11am.
• The million dollar sprinkler system installed last year seemed to (sorta) help manage the dust early in the day but by 8pm, I had already acquired the all-too-familiar sore throat and black boogers that presents itself each year.
• Today’s weather was lovely. Partly cloudy and a semi-comfortable 90 degrees, C3’s decision to move the fest back to the last weekend in September was welcome respite to years past and I fully support the possibility of moving it even further back in 2009. Mid-October would be be perfect. Thanks for thinking of my temperature sensitivity needs, Mr. Attal.
• Musicians always seem kinda weirded out when they see the American Sign Language interpreters at their performances. They seem confused, intrigued and uncomfortable all at the same time. Personally, I love that they are there.
• I was giddy to shoot N.E.R.D.’s set. Partly because I have a mad crush on Pharrell but more importantly, the set just killed. Being in the photo pit with the bass reverbing between my spinal cord and my sternum felt like my chest might explode. Awesome. I probably had the biggest grin on my face the whole time. After reviewing my photos, it’s pretty obvious that I enjoyed being there.
• Hot Chip, as always, put on an awesome Electo-Brit dance party. And how can you not love a quirky painter’s jumper as attire for a tiny British man?
• Swell Season put on a moody, emotional set but I always enjoy watching Glen Hansard. Partly because he looks exactly like my friend Chip. Maybe Chip is Glen Hansard.
• Festival planners have once again done a great job with transportation to and from Zilker Park. I think I spent less than 30 minutes round trip for (free, air conditioned) travel. There are only a handful of times I feel fortunate to live right smack in the middle of downtown. SXSW and ACL are two of them. Easy peasy.
• Festival fashion (or lack thereof) is once again in full effect. God bless them all – every dirty last color blind hipster.

I am sure there is a lot more to write about but it is time for me to bust out the power washer and hose off all the sweat and dust of Day One.

I want to make out with this photo. For realz.