Boots go back into closets, makeup counters are finally cleaned and outfits are put on their hangers as the festival season comes to an end. The Daily Texan selected seven standout moments from Weekend Two of Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Cage The Elephant shows lively character
Opening with a powerful performance of “Broken Boy” on Friday, Cage The Elephant wowed with popular hits “Trouble” and “Cigarette Daydreams.” With a showstopping stage presence, lead singer Matt Shultz lifted his microphone stand up in the air before jumping around the stage during “Come a Little Closer,” shocking audiences with stable vocals despite the intense movement.
MJ Lenderman gets groovy
Rising star MJ Lenderman brought twangy guitar, grunge influences and earnest vocals to the Beatbox Stage early Friday evening. Clad in a simple T-shirt and oversized glasses, Lenderman exuded nonchalant cool guy energy. A tight band, including lap steel and fiddle, uplifted Lenderman’s impressive guitar skills, cementing his performance as a must-see.
Role Model’s “Sally,” Lizzy McAlpine
Weekend Two proved ACL is “Deeply Still In Love” with Tucker Pillsbury, known as Role Model. Every show, he brings out a surprise guest for “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out.” On Friday, his “Sally” was singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine. On stage, Pillsbury twirled McAlpine, sharing a dance not unlike their waltz in McAlpine’s “Pushing it Down and Praying” music video.
Pierce The Veil reigns “King For A Day”
Pierce The Veil’s debut ACL set proved the emotional apex of the weekend on Saturday. While hardcore moments pulsed with energy, the cathartic performances of “Emergency Contact” and “Hold On Till May” produced tears and cheers from the audience, all documented on the jumbotron. Ending with a perfect rendition of “King For A Day,” Pierce The Veil proved the perfect addition to the Weekend Two lineup.
UT takes home the win
The Red River Rivalry took over Zilker Park Saturday afternoon, as the big game drew crowds to The Big Tent. Fans could be overheard at the Miller Light Stage, cheering loud enough for Latin Mafia’s audience to turn their heads as the Longhorns won.
Sabrina Carpenter brings out The Chicks
One of the most anticipated performances, Sabrina Carpenter did not disappoint. With impressive dance breaks and cheeky antics, Carpenter showed not only her musical talent but her charisma. Carpenter brought out celebrity guests during her Saturday set, arresting Olivia Dean during “Juno” and bringing out The Chicks for their song “Wide Open Spaces” and Carpenter’s “Please Please Please.”
The Dare felt like a prank call
Swinging his microphone around his neck, Harrison Patrick Smith, known as The Dare, said it was the second time in history he wore sunglasses for their “actual purpose.” The Dare’s Sunday set lacked variation, using the same moves — hitting a crash cymbal, throwing multiple drink cans and high kicks. A remix of Charli xcx’s “Guess,” produced by Smith, failed to prove that The Dare was “with it.” “Girls” was one of the only standout songs, during which Smith threw drumsticks into the crowd.
