ACL Fest 2012

ACL in Review: After two decades The Roots prove explosive hip hop legacy

The Roots
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages

Any list of the tightest bands in the world would be incomplete if it didn't include The Roots.

The endlessly versatile Philadelphia-based hip hop crew are equally at home going on extended jazz runs — as was heard to notable effect during "Mellow My Man" early on in the ACL set on Saturday evening — or in the day job serving as the house band for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, or backing seemingly everybody from Jay-Z to John Legend when they want some live-band cred for a record, or recording a nigh-endless string of essential albums of their own.

In any case, there weren't a lot of tubas on stage at ACL, but it's guaranteed that none were funkier than the one featured in The Roots' set. Which is the point: It takes a band whose tightness is unquestioned, and whose versatility can be taken for granted, to pull off what The Roots accomplished onstage on Saturday.

On record, The Roots have settled into a role as hip hop's conscience. They're elder statesmen releasing records like last year'sUndun, a concept album about a murdered teen from the Philly projects, and which was the latest in a string of socially-aware albums.

Live, though, it's a different story. This is a high-energy party band, and it makes them an explosive festival act. Drummer ?uestlove (who played Saturday with his iconic afro braided down into cornrows) barely so much as lowered his sticks; a horny song like the 2003 single "Break You Off" flows effortlessly into 1997's hymn of romantic devotion, "You Got Me," and that song's minor-key guitar line still somehow seems designed to get heads nodding and hands in the air.

It takes that sort of greatness to pull off some of the left-field moves the band went for. An extended tuba solo during a hip hop show is one thing; the band launching into a cover of Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" is another, but what the hell? We're partying out here!

It's the rare hip hop show these days where the emcee doesn't need to so much as address the audience to get them to put their hands in the air and wave 'em like they don't care 45 minutes into the set.

But that's what The Roots have been able to deliver for almost two decades now, and they don't show any signs of slowing down.

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Weekend Event Guide

Here are the top 7 things to do in Austin this weekend

Photo by Jennifer Ramos

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The festive feelings are overflowing with the help of this entertaining roundup. Get your holiday shopping done at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, or celebrate in Texas spirit with Michael Martin Murphey. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar.

Thursday, December 19

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
The most iconic one-stop holiday shop in the city opens up at the Palmer Events Center. In addition to showcasing a variety of unique gifts and surprising finds, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar offers shoppers the opportunity to meet the makers behind the goods. Additional highlights include family-friendly live music, eats from local restaurants, and one-of-a-kind artwork. The bazaar will remain open through December 23. Tickets are available now.

The Paramount Theatre presents Holiday Film Series
Holiday cinema comes to the silver screen at the Paramount Theatre. The final day of this family-friendly series will feature a screening of the 1946 film, It's a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart. Screening tickets are available now.

Cine Las Americas presents CineClub México: Allá (Over There)
The CineClub México film series continues at We Luv Video. This week’s featured film is the acclaimed Mexican drama, Allá, cartas al Corazón (Over There, Love is a Destiny). Follow the main character Oscar on his homecoming journey as he faces a decision between returning to his life in the United States or staying in his small home village and rebuilding his life. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker
The talented Ballet Austin company continues performances of the classic holiday production, The Nutcracker. This Long Center for the Performing Arts production features beloved characters and will be accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Tickets are available now. Shows are scheduled through December 23.

Midland in concert
Country music group and Dripping Springs’ own Midland performs two back-to-back nights at Austin City Limits Live. Fans can expect a setlist of music from the band’s new album, Barely Blue. Tickets for both shows are still available.

Vista Brewing presents Driftwood Lights: Candlelight Holiday Music Series
Driftwood locale Vista Brewing invites guests to celebrate the festive season at this family-friendly music series. The five-night event will feature dinner offerings, fire pits, s’mores, and plenty of holiday tunes. Featured performers include Sarah Burton, Thomas Hinds, Melissa Engleman, Muchacho Sanchez, and Emily Shirley Duo. Admission is free and open to the public.

Sunday, December 22

Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas
The Christmas holiday gets a Texas twist with the musical stylings of Michael Martin Murphey. Fans will enjoy a blend of holiday music from his best-selling Christmas albums and special guest performances by the Rio Grande Band and the Rocky Mountain Vintage Dancers. Tickets to this "Christmas Cowboy-Style" experience at the Paramount Theatre are available now.

Photo by Jennifer Ramos

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is back at Palmer Events Center through December 23.

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