Austin, TX
Review | Austin City Limits
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away — Austin, Texas — I was a young music fiend, attempting to sneak into the Austin City Limits music festival (ACL) with the undying need to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Did I get in? I can’t answer that
But what I can say is that this year, my day one of ACL was different. Toss my twisted, wasted youth aside; this year, I was there by the book.
The festival takes place in Zilker Park, an Austin landmark that covers 350 acres of ground. Per usual, the three-day event gathered an incredible lineup, with headliners Tyler the Creator, Dua Lipa, Blink-182, and Chappell Roan.
There were cowboy boots, rainbow mesh, Chappell Roan fans, Texas Longhorn jerseys, tears, glitter, Chappell Roan fans, suede, leather, and Chappell Roan fans. There was country and pop, but also rap, norteñas, punk, afro-beats, house, and whatever genre the Marías are.
The early afternoons were calm, perfect for discovering new artists. I got myself up to speed listening to Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” Mickey Guyton’s “Here With You,” and Vanilla is Black’s “Mezcal.”
The magical Norah Jones sat at her piano against a colorful, bright background, looking the audience square in the face as her fingers softly weighed down her melodies. She played through her latest album Visions, tossing in “Come Away With Me” and “Don’t Know Why” at her set’s end.
Unlike in California, the Texas heat continued through the night. This isn’t Coachella, where you’ll need to somehow incorporate a jacket into your look — nah, baby, this is Texas. The heat’s got nowhere else to be.
Come on now.
I was going to see Chris Stapleton, but I got vetoed. So instead, I went to my first Blink-182 show — Stapleton’s time slot competitor.
I didn’t grow up listening to Blink, only catching them sometimes on the radio. Well, I realize now that I’m the outlier and that they raised a whole generation of angsty teenage boys turned loyal fans.
Once I got past the crude jokes and my usual low threshold for pop-punk, I admit they got me with their most known nostalgic hits like “ONE MORE TIME,” “ANTHEM PART 3,” and “What’s My Age Again?” And then, even though they didn’t play this one, later I secretly discovered that I like “Adam’s Song,” which pulls at the strings of my angsty teenage boy heart too.
Rushing to catch the shuttle for downtown Austin, we caught a crucial snippet of Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey.” It’s one of those songs that you hear so much on the radio, you have to hear it live just once.
The shuttle from Zilker Park landed us in Republic Square, where we found ourselves again the next day, doing this whole thing over again.
Movements caught us first thing as they performed on the Honda stage. Mixing a driven, hard rock sound with vulnerable vocals and lyricism, the band had me wanting to bawl my eyes out with their songs “Daylily” and “Fail You.” Every person who has known the long spans of sadness between a “pink cloud day” might understand what Patrick Miranda means in this heartbreaking song about his girlfriend’s battle with depression.
Eyedress was on my list to see. This man is so very mellow, and he interacted with the crowd in the relaxed way that only he could. In his world, he infuses bedroom pop, lo-fi, and shoegaze to fit his VHS-meets-claymation aesthetic. You might know his songs “Jealous,” “Escape From the Killer,” or “Something About You.”
Remi Wolf saved her hit “Photo ID” for last, her crowd erupting in an earth-shaking roar. The only missing piece was, of course, Dominic Fike, who was originally set to headline this year’s fest.
If you attended any shows earlier this year at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, you may have seen girl group Say She She’s show there back in February. This weekend, after performing their 3 p.m. set, they joined Khruangbin onstage covering George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.”
Later that night, Dua Lipa also exuded some Texas pride as she sported a Longhorn’s jersey, matching many in the crowd. Pop queens like her, Reneé Rapp, and Chappell Roan always impress me. Their poise, perfection, and the way they make every song sound like a hit — it’s a science.
Speaking of Chappell Roan, day three was her day. Fans staked out at the American Express stage, sitting, bonding, and playing UNO for most of the day as they waited for their Midwest princess to grace the stage at 6:45 p.m.
Earlier in the day, I had my sights set on seeing Ritchy Mitch and the Coal Miners, but fate had other plans. I missed them at Shabang and then I missed them at ACL. So best believe I won’t be missing them a third time. Wherever that is, that’s where I’ll be. All I want is to see “Evergreen” live.
Leather-clad Orville Peck was in his full Lone Ranger garb as he crooned some of his best, “C’mon Baby, Cry” and “Dead of Night.” And boy, Willie Nelson has been making some appearances this year. First performing with Stapleton on day one and later dueting with Peck with a heavenly cover of “Cowboys are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other”, the 91-year old country legend has been booked and busy.
Inevitably 6:45 p.m. rolled around, and everyone knew it was time. Chappell Roan’s fans spanned across the entire park, from the American Express stage to the Honda stage. There’s a reason those two biggest stages are the furthest away from each other.
“I am competing with Chappell Roan,” rapper mike. laughed during his set as her fans bordered the edges of his crowd. Roan announced this would be her last show of the year, making this concert appearance extra special for her fans.
Tyler the Creator had an incredible set — his team designed a whole mountain for him to perform on top of, mimicking the desert landscape of Arizona. Him being Tyler, his energy was the perfect way to end the festival. Fans grasped onto the last bits of the night chanting “WUSYANAME” with him as he jumped all over the stage.


Tyler the Creator | Photo: Roger Ho; Greg Noire for ACL 2024
ACL wound down, and I embarked on a little camping trip through North Texas. I went to school in Waco, and while it may never fully feel like home, there’s something special about revisiting an old stomping ground. From a bit of controlled music madness to the peaceful outdoors, I can’t complain.
It reminds me that here and there, I’ll go to the Lone Star State, and she’ll show me a good time.
To listen to some of Nataschia Hadley’s favorite tunes from this year’s lineup, check out her ACL playlist on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ObZyxj
Austin, TX
FULL LIST: Wednesday, Jan. 28 closures, delays for Central Texas schools
AUSTIN, Texas – The winter storm has made its way to Central Texas, causing impacts across the region, including to schools.
Some Central Texas school districts have adjusted their operations for Wednesday, Jan. 28, due to road conditions.
You can view the full list below:
School district delays
What we know:
Florence ISD
Florence ISD will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Jarrell ISD
All Jarrell ISD campuses will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Leander ISD
Leander ISD will operate on a 2-hour delay on Wednesday, Jan. 28, due to lingering freezing temperatures and the potential for icy conditions early in the morning.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor will operate on a two-hour delay for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
- 9:30AM: Carline Start
- 10:00AM: Classes Start
The Source: Information from school districts
Austin, TX
Austin leaders to hold discussion on APD’s immigration policies
AUSTIN, Texas — Following a controversial deportation involving a 5-year-old, Austin City Council members and the city’s police chief will hold a community conversation to discuss the police department’s immigration policies.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela and Councilmembers Vanessa Fuentes and José Velásquez will host a community conversation on “APD’s policies that impact our immigrant community.” It was originally scheduled for Jan. 26, but it was moved due to icy roads.
The discussion is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Govalle Elementary Cafeteria, 3601 Govalle Ave. Spanish interpretation services will be provided. Those interested in attending virtually can RSVP here to receive a Zoom link.
This comes after an Austin mother and her 5-year-old child were deported after the mother called 911 from her home. APD officers called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the mother after seeing an “administrative warrant” in a federal database. Following the incident, Austin City Council members released a statement condemning the actions of APD, and APD said they would update their ICE policy.
Nationwide, protests have erupted due to the actions of ICE officials, mainly in Minneapolis, Minn., where incidents like the detention of a father and his 5-year-old son to an immigration facility in Dilley, Texas, and the killings of Renee Nicole Good and VA nurse Alex Pretti by ICE officers have enraged residents.
In response to Pretti’s killing on Saturday, the Austin Immigrant Rights AC will hold a protest on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Texas Capital south entrance. The group had previously held a protest in early January after Good was killed.
Austin, TX
FULL LIST: Tuesday, Jan. 27 closures, delays for Central Texas schools
AUSTIN, Texas – The winter storm has made its way to Central Texas, causing impacts across the region, including to schools.
Some Central Texas school districts, colleges and universities have adjusted their operations for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to the arctic blast.
You can view the full list below:
School district closures/delays
What we know:
Austin ISD
All Austin ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Austin Community College
ACC will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Bartlett ISD
Bartlett ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to unsafe road conditions.
All extracurricular activities are canceled.
Blanco ISD
All Blanco ISD schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Brentwood Christian School
Brentwood Christian School will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Burnet CISD
All classes, activities, and events scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27 are canceled.
Champions School of Real Estate
Champions School of Real Estate Austin campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Chapparral Star Academy
Chapparral Star Academy will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Child Inc Head Start
Child Inc Head Start will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Cedars International Academy Schools
Cedars International Academy Schools will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Del Valle ISD
All Del Valle ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Dripping Springs ISD
All Dripping Springs ISD campuses are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
District offices will be closed, as well.
Eanes ISD
All campuses and district offices will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Elgin ISD
All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Florence ISD
Florence ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Fredericksburg ISD
Fredericksburg ISD will be closed Tuesday, January 27.
Georgetown ISD
All Georgetown ISD campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Granger ISD
Granger ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to expected icy road conditions.
All schools will return to normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Harper ISD
Harper ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Hays CISD
All schools will remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Huston-Tillotson University
Due to ongoing winter weather conditions, Huston-Tillotson University will operate remotely on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Hutto ISD
Hutto ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to continued freezing temperatures and the potential for icy roadways.
Hyde Park Schools
All schools will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools Greater Austin Region will be canceling all classes and activities for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Jarrell ISD
All Jarrell ISD campuses are closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Johnson City ISD
Johnson City ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Lago Vista ISD
All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to hazardous road conditions from icy and refreezing streets.
Lake Travis ISD
All schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to possible road conditions.
Lampasas ISD
Lampasas ISD will remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Leander ISD
Leander ISD schools and facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Lexington ISD
Lexington ISD will have a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Buses will run two hours later than normal.
Liberty Hill ISD
Liberty Hill ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to ongoing weather conditions.
Llano ISD
Llano ISD will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Llano Christian Academy
Llano Christian Academy will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to icy roads.
Lockhart ISD
All Lockhart ISD schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Manor ISD
All schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to winter conditions.
Marble Falls ISD
All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Rockdale ISD
All Rockdale ISD schools and district facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Round Rock ISD
All Round Rock ISD classes and before- and after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Regents School of Austin
Regents School of Austin will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
San Antonio ISD
San Antonio ISD will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with a two-hour delayed start for students only.
San Marcos CISD
All San Marcos CISD campuses and offices will operate on a 2-hour delay for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
San Saba ISD
San Saba ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to road conditions.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor has decided to remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
St. Michael’s Prep
St. Michael’s Prep will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Southwestern University
Southwestern University has canceled all classes on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Taylor ISD
Taylor ISD schools will remain closed Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to lingering icy conditions and roadways that may refreeze overnight.
Extracurricular activities are canceled or will be rescheduled.
Texas Empowerment Academy
Texas Empowerment Academy will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Texas State University
The San Marcos campus will operate as normal on Tuesday.
The Round Rock campus will have a delayed start at noon.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin will remain closed through Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The Source: Information from school districts
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