Let’s get something straight: I hate music festivals. I don’t dig on big crowds, standing around for extended periods of time, port-o-johns, and overpriced beer. All that said, Fun Fun Fun Fest is a pretty awesome time. I made it a record 6 hours yesterday, and even got inspired to doodle a few index cards here and there. Once it got dark, and I couldn’t see anymore, I headed home.

I won’t be going back today, because I have a ton to do, and I like my health and my sanity. (If next year, FFF Fest wants to provide me with a lawn chair and a good view, I’d be happy to doodle away all day.) Yes, I know I’m giving up the chance of a lifetime to draw Danzig. So it goes.

Death came out onstage in monk costumes:

Crazy-loud metal band, The Sword:

Friday night the Austinist folks had me out to draw their Local Music Is Sexy pre-party for Fun Fun Fun Fest. Music + cupcakes + booze = a magic formula. My favorite moment was TV Torso covering The Wipers’ “Over The Edge.” You can hear an MP3 of them doing it in the studio if you head over to Paige Maguire’s blog. (Thanks, Paige, for inviting me!)

Note: click any of the drawings to see them bigger.

Thursday night was a historic one for Austin City Limits: the studio was officially designated as a rock and roll landmark, and it put on it’s first hip-hop show.

My neighbor Dusty was kind enough to give me one of his space available tickets for the (somewhat grueling) 3-hour double taping—we stood on the floor for the full set, and I learned one thing: it’s near impossible to draw and raise the roof at the same time.

Really rough doodles below.

Mos Def

(more…)

I’ve been wanting to see Elvis Costello live ever since I was a teenager. Last night, we got to see him tape Austin City Limits. Talk about wish fulfillment!

Sure, he was playing bluegrass (with The Sugarcanes), but his voice sounded great, the band was top-notch, and he was witty and great with the audience. We even heard “Mystery Dance”, “Everyday I Write The Book,” and “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding.” Not too shabby.

I was going to take the evening off and devote my attention solely to the music, but I pulled out the Sharpie for a couple doodles.

I frequently get asked by people how they can get tickets to ACL. You’re best bet is to follow Leslie (@theotherleslie) and Emily (@acltv) on twitter, and subscribe to the Austin City Limits blog for giveaways.

And to see drawings I don’t post to the blog, check my twitter feed!

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See all my drawings at Austin City Limits.

Drawn live during the taping w/ pen and index cards, stitched together in Photoshop.

Many thanks to Leslie Nichols and the folks at Austin City Limits.

Reviews of the show:

• Ultra8201 (including the set list)
  
• The Austinist

See my other drawings at Austin City Limits.