An article in this month's Spin magazine criticizes the inaugural All Points West festival, held August 8–10 in New Jersey, for failing to draw upon local or even regional talent. No one can say that about ACL Fest. At least 40 of this year's 130ish performers had Texas connections. I couldn't see them all, but I tried to take in as many as I could.

Who impressed me the most?

• Dan Dyer, whose soulful voice resonated even better live than it does on his brilliant self-titled album.
• Ageless, timeless wonder Rodney Crowell. No bass, no drums, no problem.
• The new-to-me Black & White Years, who grabbed hold of my eyes and ears when I'd planned to focus elsewhere.
• Festival veterans the Old 97's, whom I'd never seen in concert. I only wish I could have stayed for the full set.
• The immensely talented and entertaining Bavu Blakes, with help from full band the Extra Plairs. They started with Living Colours' "Cult of Personality" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" and never slowed down.
• Nakia & His Southern Cousins, who filled the WaMu tent with the unstoppable combination of music and love.

There are some shows I wish I'd seen but didn't. Alejandro Escovedo. Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears. Flyleaf. Erykah Badu. Roky Erickson. I think it's impossible to leave any festival without at least a few regrets.

I also managed to spend some time backstage with a few artists gracious enough to withstand the heat and dust a little longer. My profile of Ray Benson is up today on The 9513. I'll have new features on the Eli Young Band and Nakia ready soon, plus a pre-ACL Fest interview with Randy Rogers.

Like many of this year's attendees, I'm still removing dust from unwelcome places and trying to soothe a scratchy throat. But, as usual, ACL Fest was worth it.