Cooler weather, Halloween party planning, Austin City Limits Music Festival. When I think of October, that's what immediately springs to mind. For two weekends, Zilker Park transforms for a musical experience unmatched in our fair city and far beyond.
While headliners like Metallica and Paul McCartney dominate the headlines this year, our local music scene is well-represented for those intrepid enough to arrive early and support Austin artists. To help you navigate our local talent, here's a rundown of every Austin artist playing ACL Fest 2018. Listen local!
For a Spotify playlist of every local artist playing ACL Fest 2018, click here!
Austin Bands Playing Weekend One: Oct. 5-7, 2018
NAM
Credit: NAM
Friday, Oct. 5 from 11:15-12 p.m. @ Miller Lite Stage
From the minute I first saw this chilled out electro-dream pop duo perform at Austin Eastciders, I know they would one day upgrade to bigger, grander stages. Touching and evocative, Nora Luders' silky, moody vocals lounge atop a sleepy bed of synth lines, subtle percussion, and mind-expanding soundscapes. NAM is well worth getting to the festival early on Friday.
Recommended Tracks: "Face," "Granted"
Asleep at the Wheel
Asleep at the Wheel during ACL Fest 2017 (Credit: Sydney Gawlik)
Friday, Oct. 5 from 12-12:45 p.m. @ Honda Stage
If Asleep at the Wheel didn't perform at noon during the first weekend of ACL, then they'd have to change the name of the festival. Down home, old school country played with energy and enthusiasm, Roy Benson's crew of fiddlers and fun lovers personify timeless Texas music. A legendary band worth experiencing at least once.
Recommended Track: "Miles and Miles of Texas," "The Letter (That Johnny Walker Read)," "Route 66"
The Bells of Joy
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Saturday, Oct. 6 from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m @ Tito's
Regardless of your personal beliefs, faiths, or theories, gospel music is awesome. The musical style from which dozens were spawned, gospel's passion and power stirs the soul like little else. Practitioners of the art since the 1950s, The Bells of Joy continues to ignite the hearts of believers and non-believers alike with a soulful brand of authentic worship. A beautiful start to your ACL Saturday.
Recommended Track: "Leak in This Old Building," "Let's Talk About Jesus"
Molly Burch
Molly Burch at SXSW 2018 (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m @ Barton Springs
A little bit country, a little bit blues, and a whole lot of incredible, Molly Burch commands microphones and imaginations with her soulful blend of soul and rock. Tunes like "Please Be Mine" pine for unfulfilled love through the mist and smog of still smokey gin joints, while latest single, "Candy" features Burch's distinctive alto atop a jumpy late '60s-era pop/rock sparkler.
Early festival-goers should flood the Barton Springs stage to see this artist of immense talent and range.
Recommended Tracks: "To the Boys," "Wild"
Jackie Venson
Jackie Venson (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m @ Tito's
One of Austin's premier guitar goddesses, Jackie Venson has grown in national prominence thanks to her tight songwriting and award-winning technique. While Venson's repertoire dances from blues to rock to straight up soul, her latest track "Keep On" peppers electronic elements atop a bubbly reggae jam.
Watching this celebrated superstar shred might be the highlight of my ACL Saturday. Make it yours, as well.
Recommended Tracks: "I Will Find a Way," "Flying"
Kupria Marimba
Credit: Ismael Quintanilla III Photography
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. @ Austin Kiddie Limits
Mainstays of the Austin Kiddie Limits experience, the mega-talented Kupria Marimba projects fun, positivity, and rad good vibes wherever they play. Comprised of solely–guess what–marimbas, the amount of skill on display is uncanny.
Don't be afraid to dance along with your kiddo during the set. The pure talent of this exciting six-piece is hard to ignore.
Recommended Track: "Skokiaan"
Sweet Spirit
Sabrina Ellis of Sweet Spirit (Credit: Paula Horstman courtesy of Compose Yourself Magazine)
Saturday, Oct. 6 from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m @ BMI
Oh, Sabrina Ellis and your merry band of rock-and-roll magicians. How many times can I praise your awesomeness without repeating myself? If you've never seen Sweet Spirit on a large scale, then don't miss this opportunity. Blending power rock chords, brassy horns, and Ellis's incredible pipes, these legends of the ATX music scene make clubs sound like stadiums. Imagine how much they'll kick ass on the BMI stage. Required listening.
Recommended Tracks: "The Mighty," "Touch"
Sailor Poon
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