FREE PRESS SUMMER FEST 2014

Once again Free Press Summer Fest was a success.  I didn't actually plan on going this year but last week my client asked if I wanted a Fancy Pants wristband. How could I say no when I know that every time I have gone in the past it's been a blast! So I am thankful. The only thing that would have made this experience better was if Kelly was able to come. But....she had too much work to do. My first Summer Fest without her, kinda weird but I had Rannie and Andrew to be my dancing buddies.
Were you at Summer Fest this year? What bands did you see?

Naked and Famous
The Kills
Andrew and Jason Djing
Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros
WuTang
Jack White


FPSF11
FPSF12
We missed last year because we were all in Mexico

GOTCHA /// Hang Out Fest 2014

I was suppose to go to Hang Out Fest this year with my friends. I bought my ticket, we got a condo, and then life happened. I came back from Costa Rica and a series of unfortunate events helped me make the decision to sell my ticket and stay in town. I am at a really good place in my life and I decided family was more important than going to a music festival on the beach. Thank God my friends understood and that we had Colton Becker to give us a glimpse of how awesome it was. I mean, look at that beach and that sky! Thank you Colton for taking video of Jack Johnson! Man...

Instagram ///
@Colton_Becker
@Cbeckerphotography

Website ///
http://www.cbeckerphotography.com

SXSW /// 2013

My BFF, Pearl, lives in Nashville and we get to see each other a handful of times a year. Mostly surrounding Music events and shows, so every year we meet up at SXSW for some good times. Unlike a lot of jaded folks, I still think sxsw is like Christmas. It's the best. My recipe for a good time in Austin during this time is to have a super loose/open mindset and go with the day. That way I'm not stressed out about not finding parking, crowds, or missing a show. Usually, I get so caught up in the moment, I forget to take photos or write down fun moments to remember ( working on my memory), so this year I tried something new. I got to road test a Stash (unreleased) Journal to collect all my scraps, photos and stories of sxsw in. In four days, I nearly filled the whole thing up! Anytime I had a moment to my self, I wrote down times, venues, restaurants, drinks, people I met, maps, lyrics, you name it...  After that success, I think I will always take a road journal with me on my trips.

Essentials: Haversack, boots, passport, camera + strap,  sunnies, journal

    

<3 td="">

Newly wed Jason & Amanda Isbell @ The Billy Reid Shindig

outfit check :)

It's always a bonus to see these folks (college buddies)

Pearl, Jason, Tracy

Bootsy Collins. Holy shite sandwich!

Dancing is a sxsw must /// Ruben

Backstage at the Dawes show on Congress was pretty rad.

My friend Ruben bought me this awesome Dirk Fowler (F2 Design) print for my new place

A few personal highlights///
Billy Reid Party <> Leagues <> Jason Isbell <> Amanda Shires <> Lily Hiatt with John Hiatt <> Flatstock 38 <> Ramblin Creek Party <> Suzy Ragsdale <> Daniel Markham <> Seryn <> pedicabs <> Meet Bootsy Collins <> Dawes <> Numerators <> Seeing my friends <> People Watching <> cab drivers <> the whole dang thing

How I survived///
My Stash Co Haversack which held... iPhone <> Charger <> Tylenol <> Sudafed <> 3 cameras (digital, instant and film) <> cash monies <> sweatshirt or button down <> roadtrip journal <> sharpie <> water bottle <> Lipstick <> bags of almonds <> MariGold bars <> a hat <> Tumbleweeds Sunnies <> Gum <> Chapstick

Tips///
You don't have to take, drink or eat it just because it's free.
Don't try to wear a lot of make up, it will only melt off through out the day.
Wear comfortable shoes. If you must wear the really cute painful shoes, wait until the last day. Save you dancing feet!
Drink lots and lots of water.
Be flexible, plans change so be ready to go with the flow.
Don't be a butt head to anyone because chances are you will bump into them again.
When you run into bootsy, don't be too cool to ask for a photo with him.
Carry a sweater because it's cold at night

Brandi's Tips///
Have some cash, toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush, Allergy medicine, chapstick, and hand sanitizer in your bag just in case.
Do NOT talk to your cab driver, they might throw you out on the streets and you will have to walk miles and miles in the middle of the night. Right Fred? Right Nick? (Kelly: FALSE Talk to your cab driver and they will tell you awesome stories about their life, their kids and how their baby mama pissed them off by buying the kid shoes with velcro instead of laces because the whole point was to get him to learn how to tie his shoes, but he really can't be that mad because they are Iron man shoes... right Ruben?)
Stay at a friends house that knows how to cook, you will be hungry and too tired to go sit in some over crowded diner at 3 am.

XOXO