Austin City Limits Music Festival
Every September, Austin makes its case for 'Live Music Capital of the World'
Austin, the capitol of Texas and self-dubbed ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ makes a strong case for the title each year in September. From 16-18 September 2011,Austin City Limits Music Festival, locally known as ACL, celebrates its 10th anniversary with an impressive line-up of musical acts. Diversity is a trademark of the festival. Over the three days, Kanye West andManu Chaomight rub shoulders against thefolk band Fleet Foxes, or trade musical tips with the local primary school children who make up The Barton Hills Choir.
ACL is as much a celebration of music as a showcase of all things Austin. The festival itself stems from Austin City Limits, a public television program began in 1976. And the businesses that will be represented during the weekend include a range of Texas eats, includingTex-Mex, fast food and (veggie) burgers, Southern sweet tea, bratwursts and, of course, Texas BBQ. Set in the heart of Texas, some 75,000 festival-goers per day will brave scorching 36 degrees-and-above temperatures to listen to their favorite acts, mingle with other music lovers, or cool down over Austin-based Amy’s Ice Cream.
The ACL festival has evolved over the years. More attendees, new acts, and since 2008, a public smoking ban that includes bars and restaurants. This year, that ban, often loosely enforced, is in special focus. Suffering from extremely hot weather—even for Texas—and the driest 11-month period since 1895 when rainfall records began to be kept, the conditions are ripe for fast-spreading fires.
Over Labour Day weekend (first weekend in September), firefighters have struggled to fight against the seemingly endless numbers of fires cropping up around the state. Over 100,000 acres have been burnt. With well over 1,000 homes destroyed by a single fire around Austin and its surrounding areas, numerous people still living in shelters, all are hoping that the ACL weekend will be without incident. Along with the fun and music, no doubt many will see the smoking ban in a new light.
For more information:
Great Folk Discography, vol. 1, 1978-2011
Great Folk Discography, Vol. 2, 1978-2011
Manu Chao, Babylonia en Guagua, 9 Dec 2002
