Last Friday, we biked out to Zilker Park for Austin City Limits Festival 2009 for day 1.  With nothing but clear skies and a break in the heat, we were jazzed about seeing Phoenix, Thievery Corporation and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Gonna have to say: The highlight of the day was meeting Phoenix. They were so grateful.  They also put on an amazing show.  Lead singer Thomas Mars had such an amazing stage presence and just poured himself into the crowd.  It was their biggest show to ever play, and when you look at the video, you can see him in the midst of the mass of people telling each person “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Phoenix's lead singer Thomas Mars thanks fans.

Thievery Corporation played at sunset with the western sky painted in pinks and oranges while the moon rose over the city’s silhouette. I don’t know if they could have played at a perfect time.  During their show, we took off our shoes and enjoyed dancing in the grass.

We got to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ stage early so we could secure a good spot.  While waiting, we met a lot of interesting people.  You can meet them, too, in the video.  Of course, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, headed by lead singer Karen O, put on an amazing show. You can also find snippets of it in the video.

Check out the video below to experience our version of ACL.

CLICK: ACL Fest 2009 Day 2 Recap

COMMENT: What were some of your favorite moments of ACL 2009 Day 1? Favorite show? Why? Tell us in the comments!

Ari and Chris running to Thievery Corporation

WATCH: The four-minute video of sights, sounds and people of ACL 2009 Day 1:

• Highlights from Phoenix, Thievery Corporation and Yeah Yeah Yeahs live performances
• Chris meets Phoenix!
• Bouncing Eyeballs?!
• Does Chris get the crowd to sing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps”?