Laughlin Airmen take in ACL

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Several Laughlin members made the trip to Austin recently to take part in one of the largest music festivals in the United States.

Austin City Limits, an enormous gathering of music groups of all genres as well as visual artists, was held Oct. 8 through 10 at Zilker Park in the Texas state capitol.

More than 130 bands performed throughout the three-day festival and fans were treated with cloudless skies and perfect temperatures all three days. The event offered Laughlin Airmen the opportunity to witness world-class musical talent and an atmosphere that is unparalleled.

"This is the first time I have been to ACL and I have never seen so many people in one place having such a good time," said Airman 1st Class Tyler Sumrall, 47th Comptroller Squadron. "There was something fun for everyone involved to take part in."

With more than 65,000 fans flocking to Zilker Park each day to take in the festivities, ACL features eight stages that continuously produce the sounds of rock, country, folk, indie, Americana, hip-hop, reggae, electronic and bluegrass.

"I'm sure that any Airman that is unfamiliar with the festival would enjoy it," said Airman 1st Class Corey Davis, 47th Operations Support Squadron. "There are bands that produce music of many genres that would suit almost anyone's taste in music."

On a base and near a town without major music venues, Airman Davis said that ACL is enjoyed by people from all over the world and is just a short drive from Laughlin's gates.

"If music isn't something you have really appreciated, seeing it live and hearing the different types is definitely going to make you think twice," he said.

Aside from the vast array of musical acts that grace the stages at ACL, which included the likes of The Eagles, The Strokes, Muse, Norah Jones, The Black Keys, Phish and dozens more this year, some of Austin's best restaurants send vendors to the park and artists from around the country bring their work to the art festival within the larger music festival.

There is also a tent with two enormous televisions so football fans can keep up with the scores throughout the weekend.

"I really could not imagine someone going to ACL and not enjoying themselves," said Airman Sumrall. "Especially with the fantastic weather we enjoyed this year."

Airman Davis was even more adamant.

"The best part of ACL was the fantastic lineup, beautiful weather, great people, great food and ice cold beverages," he said. "If you have not been but you are aware that such a great thing exists, GO!"

Austin City Limits is held the first weekend of each Oct. in Downtown Austin's Zilker Park and each ticket sold directly benefits Austin Parks Foundation and helps improve parks throughout Austin. For more information, go to www.aclfestival .com.