Austin Texas, 90 something degrees and what feels like 100% humidity to a girl from Oregon who dressed absolutely inappropriately. I trudge onward to Zilker Park in search of music, inspiration and a good time, vowing that "tomorrow I will wear my bikini top and more sunscreen."

For those who've never visited Austin, it's a great city. The streets are crawling with music lovers, kind folks willing to offer directions (albeit, sometimes in the wrong direction, but still helpful nonetheless). There is a buzz in the air. Every wall, light post, and bus has a mention of Austin City Limits 2006. And - just in case you haven't heard - the occassional "Austin: The Live Music Capitol" slogan. Let me say, they are right. The place is hoppin' with music, really great music.

ACL held all sorts of excitement for my camera lens: The Raconteurs, Gomez, Guster, John Mayer, Nickel Creek, Stars, Willie Nelson, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Damian Marley, Ben Harper, G Love, Tom Petty and many, many more.

My first experience with the band Gomez was not a let down. Gomez's music is so catchy you can't ignore them and so rockin' you must bounce around to the beat. That is just what a certain shirtless celeb did. Matthew McConaughey took advantage of the photography pit to get his groove on - you know, without having to touch other sweaty festival goers.

John Mayer, who headlined the first night of ACL, surprised me. Yes, I realize my body is a wonderland and mothers make daughters who turn into mothers and so on. What I did not realize, however, was that Mr. Mayer rocks way harder than public radio will allow you to believe. He plays a mean guitar and has a fierce stage presence which begs the fans to fall further in love with him, yet keeps it all humble enough that you can't help but like him. His sound is far more unique than the top 40 whatevers we all associate with his name. He has a solid, strong blues sound and a constant energy which distracted me, the photographer, once or twice.

Ben Kweller suffered a very severe nosebleed on day 2 of ACL. I was shooting a different act and didn't see the musician take the stage only to bleed all over his face and guitar. Proving he is hardcore, Ben asked for a tampon to stop the bleeding, when he could have just as easily walked off the stage. He plugged away with tampons in his nose fending off the blood while playing his beautiful tunes that the fans came to hear. I caught him backstage the following day and he said he was feeling better, while admitting that he was little worried the fountain would start up again.

 
  In my few years as a music photographer I have seen a multitude of artists deliver their goods on stage. I have seen the active guys who back flip from the drum kit, the somber guys who rarely lift their heads to allow light onto to their faces and I have seen the sexy vixen females who deliver lyrics with a little bit of seduction perfect for the camera. But, never have I seen a musician so passionate about his words as Ben Harper. Ben took to the stage after a brief introduction from Lance Armstrong (followed by a high five and a hug) to a roaring crowd. He took his seat, lifted his guitar and dedicated his first song to Stevie Ray Vaughn. Ben has a presence that demands your attention -it is very obvious that sharing his music is what he loves. He writes words that mean something - not just to him, but to those around him - and delivers them with an energy that stops you in your tracks. I was smitten from the first note.

Just when I thought I was getting acclimated to the insane Texas heat, it throws me a curveball. As if 50 photographers in the photo pit to shoot the amazing Tom Petty weren't enough of an obstacle, Mother Nature decided it would be more exciting in a thunder storm. Four songs into Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' set, the rain kicks in with an insane wind that was almost eerie. The band was drenched, they tried to push through, but when the rain didn't let up they were forced to take cover and get their gear to a dry place. Photographers gathered under the stage, the sold out crowd pulled out umbrellas (do they plan for this sort of thing in Austin?) and the waiting game began. After a brief (20 minutes or so) delay, the band took the stage for a second time and pleased the crowd with hit after hit. Leave it to Tom Petty to take the horrible weather in stride and let the show go on (I mean, he could have pulled a Britney and left the venue all together). Just another example of his greatness. Well, that and the incredible music he creates.

From start to finish, ACL was a constant party of musical delights. The festival was nicely organized in general, the free shuttles ran incredibly smooth, the food was tasty, the sound was great, and while I would like to recommend more misting machines, I can't complain about much. The headliners were a great variety of musicians - with a nice mixture of timeless legends like Willie Nelson to young talent like John Mayer. In addition, I was introduced to many new artists - The Blue Van (incredibly addictive sound and really hot stage antics), TV On The Radio (I now understand the buzz around this group, they are amazing), and I Love You But Have Chosen Darkness (Austin locals that will soon be on your iPod). For the complete photo journal check out the MOSS Fest links by date and band name.

Want to see more photos from this event? Click HERE!