Wednesday, September 24, 2008
ACL Fest preview: Sunday's lineup
Completing the weekend roundup, here are the Texans on Sunday's schedule, presented in order of appearance:
Elizabeth Wills, 11:15-11:45, BMI stage
With two self-released albums under her belt, Elizabeth Wills decided it was time for a change. She left Texas for the Rockies, and when she crossed the state line she pretty much left her music career behind, too. But after hearing Wills sing, a new Colorado friend became so passionate about getting the singer/songwriter back into the studio that she started her own record label. Fly came out on the new Erian Records this spring. The Austin Chronicle's Jim Caligiuri lists Wills as a top pick.
Big Don, 11:30-12:00, Austin Kiddie Limits stage
One of Austin's favorite hip-hop artists, MC Overlord, again transforms into Big Don to entertain the kiddos. He also is scheduled to perform on Friday.
River City Christianettes, 11:30-12:30, WaMu stage
The women comprising the contemporary gospel quartet River City Christianettes have been singing and praising together in San Antonio for more than a decade. The Statesman's Kathy Blackwell lists the Christianettes' ACL Fest debut among her top picks of the weekend.
Belleville Outfit, 12:40-1:20, BMI stage
When Lyle Lovett recommends a band, like he did onstage at the Long Center this summer, you should take heed. It seems the Belleville Outfit's modern take on gypsy jazz captivated Lovett, just as it's done with thousands at festivals across the country. Formed just in time to play MerleFest last year, the Austin-based sextet released its debut, Wanderin', to widespread acclaim this spring. The Statesman's Blackwell, the Chronicle's Caligiuri, and KUT's David Brown include the band on their top-picks lists.
Scott H. Biram, 12:50-1:30, Austin Ventures stage
Growling, howling, and scowling, Austin's Scott H. Biram produces some of the dirtiest blues this side of the Mississippi. The one-man band has made a home for himself on presitigious Bloodshot Records, which released his most recent album, Graveyard Shift, in 2006.
Nakia & His Southern Cousins, 1:00-2:00, WaMu stage
Nakia got his start with faux lounge act the Small Stars, until frontman Miles Zuniga (Fastball) cut him loose with orders to start his own band instead of hiding behind his Vic Odin character. Nakia & His Southern Cousins released their Playing the Cards EP in 2007. A new album currently is in the works. The Chronicle's Margaret Moser includes the band among her top picks.
Octopus Project, 1:30-2:30, Dell stage
The dynamic quartet behind the Octopus Project never tire of experimenting even after last year's Hello, Avalanche garnered their best reviews to date. One never knows what sounds might emerge during their ACL Fest debut. This is listed as a top pick by the Statesman's Michael Corcoran, the Chronicle's Darcie Stevens, and KUT's Brown.
The Jimmies, 2:30-3:00, Austin Kiddie Limits stage
The New York band with the Texas guitarist charms the kids once again. The quintet also is scheduled to perform on Saturday.
Flyleaf, 2:30-3:30, AT&T stage
This platinum-selling metal band from tiny Belton has a bark much fiercer than its bite. Read last week's in-depth preview for more.
Okkervil River, 5:30-6:30, AT&T blue room stage
There's not a hotter band in Austin right now. Press and fans alike fawned over last year's The Stage Names, which Harp Magazine named the top album of 2007. Similar acclaim is pouring forth for new release The Stand-Ins. Okkervil River's second ACL Fest appearance is a near-consensus top pick (with the Chronicle as the lone exception).
South Austin Jug Band, 6:40-7:20, BMI stage
Despite slimming down from a quintet to a trio, the South Austin Jug Band somehow managed to turn out its best work yet with the new Strange Invitation. They're so good so consistently, and play so often around these parts, I think this is perhaps the most underappreciated band in town. Only the Chronicle's Caligiuri includes them among his top picks.
Kevin Fowler, 7:45-8:45, Austin Ventures stage
He may not be the most talented or most successful artist on the Texas country scene, but no one can get a crowd going quite like Kevin Fowler. His arsenal of rowdy anthems like "Beer, Bait & Ammo," "100% Texan," and "The Lord Loves the Drinkin' Man" is sure to ring out across Zilker Park no matter who else is playing nearby. The Chronicle's Moser names Fowler a top pick.
For recommendations on whom to see during ACL Fest:
Joe Gross, Michael Corcoran, and others weigh in from the Statesman
David Brown from KUT's Texas Music Matters presents "The List"
Daily picks and more from the Austin Chronicle


























