Wow, now this is livin! It has been a few years since I attended ACL. I went the very first year when nobody knew what to expect and loved it. I’ve gone a few times since and had to get over challenges like the weather or the dust or the crowd to have a good time.

This year I was lucky enough to get an all-access backstage pass and let me tell you, that is the way to see a music festival. There are great perks like free alcohol, golf carts that drive you to each stage and clean air-conditioned bathrooms. But for me the real thrill was getting to be practically on stage, dancing to amazing music without having to fight the crowd up front. That said, every once in awhile, I still had to inch my way to the middle of the crowd just so that I could feel all of that crazy energy.

I just love live music and I love discovering new stuff I have never heard. Some of my favs this year were The Strokes, NinjaSonic, The Very Best, and Miike Snow. But hands down, the performance that absolutely blew me away and gave me goose bumps was Trombone Shorty. His show was insane. I have these artists’ recordings and I have to say, they don’t come anywhere close to seeing them live.

So, Big Up to everyone who helps put this amazing event on.. the new friends I met from all over the country.. my crew man who hooked me up with the pass… and all the rockin musicians!

Now how was your ACL?