25 in 25: #21 attend aclfest

#21 where do i even begin? i have been wanting to attend a music festival for who knows how long.

i strongly believe everyone should attend at least one music festival or event at some point in their lifetime. i was a flight away from coachella, south by southwest slipped right through my fingers and ultra passed by in the blink of an eye. i knew aclfest was right around the corner and i was determined to go and once determination sets in, good luck to anyone standing in the way.

it happened. i attended aclfest and what an experience. it had everything. the good, the bad, the ugly. with great pride i can say i attended all 3 days of aclfest. that's right, not 1, not 2 but all 3 days of blasting music, short shorts, crowds, porta potty's, flash tattoos and flower headbands. and guess what? i loved every second of it.

i fully unleashed my inner flower child and danced around each and every day without any cares or hesitations. that's what aclfest was all about. one big carefree music party. one of my biggest pulls to attend this particular 3-day music-a-thon was the fact that none other than the one and only, sam smith was going to be there. i had to see sam smith. yes, i know he isn't up there singing his heart out to me, but he has some major talent. i respect that. it just so happened that he was the first performance i saw, i had a great view and he was impeccable. what an amazing singer. my first artist to attend easily become my favorite artist.

this prize was not an easy win. there were many performers who put on such an amazing show. skrillex, eminem, iggy, outkast, lorde, foster the people, calvin harris, lana del ray, zedd and major lazer, just to name a few. it was one incredible performance after the other. with so many things going on at the same time, it was quite amazing to see how one artist could wrap you up in that single moment. many times i found myself forgetting that there were other concerts going on within walking distance. that's one of the many beauties and powers of music.

i came across all kinds of people at this never ending party called acl. old friends, new friends, familiar faces, and this guy. this guy was loving life to the absolute fullest.

daytime concerts were much calmer than the nighttime ones. the evening brought out nothing short of fireworks and light shows. as all of this was going on, this guy was putting on his own show while jumping up and down and all around and literally waving his hands in the air like he just doesn't care. but hey, he was having a good time. kudos my horse-loving friend, kudos.

my only inevitable complaint, without bleachers or elevated seating, this was my view (below) for many performances. being 5'3 (and 1/2) has many advantages. but unfortunately it also has its disadvantages...

aside from being blocked by the backs of many tall friends' heads, my time spent at aclfest was unforgettable. everything was perfect. the many food choices, the refillable water stations, the layout, the vendors, the mud and most importantly, the music.

a few must brings: