The last sunset of ACL 2005. 

ACL festival 2005 Day 3

Our third day at the ACL festival proved to be the most memorable despite the fact that we were only there for half of the day. The first two days had taken there toll by Saturday night so we decided to take it easy and go late on Saturday. This proved to be a wise decision since Saturday turned out to have 108 degree heat that set an all-time record for Austin, Texas. Of course, we were there during the hottest part of the day, but only for a few hours. We set up camp in front of the SBC stage so that we could get a good location for Jason Mraz, Franz Ferdinand and Coldplay. I'm so glad that we did this, because the Coldplay show was one of the best that I have ever seen. I think that is no small accomplishment. I've seen Eric Clapton, Pearl Jam (1993), The Red Hott Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Chicago, Ministry, REM, Tim McGraw, Dave Matthews Band, Trey Anastacio (from Phish) and many other legends of music and Coldplay definitely should be among the greatest shows I've ever seen. Many people think that Coldplay's music is boring, but their live performance brings their music to a new level. I'll never forget their show or ACL 2005.

Coldplay blew me away!!! 

Jason Mraz was the first show that we saw on Saturday. 

ACL Festival 2005 Day 2

First, Matthew, I see why you like Oasis so much. They do put on a great show!!! Wish you were here.
The second day of the ACL festival was really great! The weather was great for me, but extremely hot. I'm sure that we all drank a gallon of water to stay hydrated. It was nice to have Chad and Mireya join us.
We started the day by watching Buddy Guy - the famous blues guitarist. Next, we went to the tent stage to see the Weary Boys. I thought this was a great show. These guys have a rootsy feel and they played so hard that the guitarist broke a string (but kept playing) and the fiddle player destroyed his bow by playing so intensely. Great atmosphere inside the tent.
Chad and I separated from the girls to check out the Frames from Dublin. I'll have to check them out again, before I buy their CD.
The next show was Robert Randolf. This guy plays the slide guitar and he is simply amazing. He was joined on stage by John Popper from Blues Traveler for a jam session. Awesome!
Then came Jet and Oasis! We settled in front of their stage early, but there were so many people that I wouldn't even think of trying to get too close. It was packed. Jet played a great set and then Oasis...can't put it into words....legendary, maybe.
One more day. We're gonna take this one easy, but I can't wait to see Coldplay!!!
Cheers, for now.

Christine cowgirl'd up and Cara sporting her puggie T. Hot, hot day! 

This one's for you, Buxton! Oasis put on a great show, but Liam was acting like...well, he was being Liam! If you know Oasis, you know what I'm talking about... 

Robert Randolf's first set began with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." Everyone was dancing and this guy thought that he was M.J.

The Frames from Dublin, Ireland. 

More pics from ACL! 

ACL 2005!!! Another great year.

Well, the first day of the ACL festival was great! We saw lots of bands and just enjoyed the festival experience. The weather was amazing unbelievably. With Rita on the Texas coast we were worried, but it looks like we dodged a bullet. Anyway, I just can't imagine a better place to hear live music than Austin and the ACL festival. I hope that you will all come to experience it with us. This year Christine is visiting and it feels like we're beginning a tradition. Yesterday we saw:
Lucinda Williams - A local singer songwriter
Grupo Fantasmo - A latin band with lots of horns and percussion. They have the best energy of any band yet. You have to dance when these guys are playing.
Spoon - An unusual band who I really like, but Cara says "Not her favorite."
Allman Brothers - Classic Southern Rock is still great!
Keane - This was my favorite band of the day and I can't wait to buy their new album.
Blue October - Not my favorite band...a little too hard. But, I wanted to see them because Wideawake will be touring with them soon.
Blues Traveler - They've definitely still got it. I think that this was Cara's favorite show.
and
The Black Crowes - I really enjoyed this show, but I never realized how much these guys like to jam! It was like a phish or grateful dead show. They played their best songs so I thought it was awesome.
I can't believe that was just the first day. We still have two days of music to go. Today we're all excited to see Oasis!
I'll keep you updated.
Cheers!

Austin skyline - ACL 2005 

Cara chillin' at ACL. 

ACL 2005 

Here are the kids rehearsing at H.M.S. 

Cara had her first band concert with Henry Middle School on Monday. I thought that the students played very well. I can't wait to see how much Cara can improve these kids' playing over the next year. 

It's time! Tomorrow is the first day of the ACL festival. This is one of my most anticipated events of the year in Austin. It may rain a little, but I don't care. The musical lineup is too good to be concerned about a little rain. Christine is arriving tonight so we should have a great time.  

Rita!!!

I never thought that I would have to worry about hurricanes in Austin, but we've got a nasty one coming our way. Being the perpetual optimist, I don't think that we will be significantly affected. In fact, I expect to be able to go to the ACL festival this weekend. Unfortunately, I fear that many people are in harms' way and I wish them the best. I'm planning to donate to the Red Cross and I've already submitted my volunteer information, so if they need me, I'm willing to help.

Just a little update...

Well, it has been a while since I updated the blog, but it hasn't been for lack of desire. It has been a long hot summer in more ways than one. I have been extremely busy in the lab. In July and August, I was spending an average of 10 -12 hrs a day in the lab. I barely had time to eat and there were weeks when I would barely see Cara for more than a couple of hours a day. But, things have finally relaxed a little. Cara has also been extremely busy preparing for her new job. She is now an assistant band director at Henry Middle School in Cedar Park, Texas. Cedar Park is a suburban town north of Austin. This is a great opportunity for Cara and I'm very proud of her for taking this job.
Some things that have happened for Cara and me include changing our wedding date. We will now be getting married on July 22, 2006. We moved the date up so that Cara wouldn't have to miss any school days next year. My friend Matt J. came to visit us in Austin, again. He's waiting for a job offer to join us here in the great state of Tejas. We had a surprise visit from my labmate Melissa from Greenville, NC. We had a great time showing them around town and tubing down the guadalupe. Cara's friend Brian moved to San Antone this summer and he and his wife Heather came to visit. That was a great highlight to the summer. It's really cool that more of our friends are relocating to Austin. This place is a magnet! Besides that we've just been spending our days together and making the best of the Austin summer heat. We have some fun weeks ahead including the ACL festival and a visit from my brother Shaun in Oct. Can't wait!

Fourth of July - Austin 2005. We found a great view of the fireworks from atop one of the parking decks downtown. Great show!