The Austin-based band Ghostland Observatory performs. Image copyright 2010 Daniel Perlaky, City On Fire LLC. All Rights Reserved.The following is a feature article by Austin resident and long time Formula 1 fan, Dale Daugherty. You may recall Dale wrote a great piece on "Making the most out of your USGP vacation" back in August. Dale is also a part of the AGP Street Team and is checking out the numerous entertainment options scattered throughout downtown Austin. Thank you Dale for giving our readers an Austinite's inside scoop!

// Live Music Capitol of the World

Tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of Formula One fans have descended upon Austin for the inaugural United States Grand Prix. Many more have come to Austin for the atmosphere alone, having no intention of actually going to the race.

Just like GP week in Montreal or Monaco, Austin is engaging in a practice it knows particularly well; partying, and festivals. 6th Street opens it’s plethora of bars to a larger than usual crowd, and eleven blocks of downtown Austin have grinded to a halt to host the “Austin Fan Fest”, courtesy of Circuit of The Americas and Mobil 1. Five stages are hosting local music acts, and numerous vendors are on site with fan experiences like racing simulators and show cars, and F1 related merchandise. Lucky for you, race fan… the admission is free.

In addition to the free stages, there are four venues hosting major acts, with the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum being an unlikely host for the “COTA Official After-Party” Admission to this Sunday Hot Spot will start at $99, and a VIP pass with included drinks/VIP lounge access will fetch $250. You can purchase tickets here.

Doors to the venue will open at 8 p.m., leaving plenty of time to get there after the USGP Podium Ceremony.

The schedule for the evening is as follows:

8:00 pm- 9:00 pm: DJ Danny Boy is no stranger to good times. He has had the opportunity to mix at Steve-O’s Beach Party and numerous other Spring Break party spots. He will be the man propelling the party on the ones and twos throughout the evening.

8:30 pm- 1:00 am:  (Café Patio) TJE Austin is a talented Austin singer-songwriter who was a contestant on 2011’s “The Voice”. He brings warm R&B that speaks to the soul for those who prefer a more intimate music experience.

9:00- 10:30: (Main Stage): Fitz and the Tantrums bring their fun blend of Motown and indie-pop from Los Angeles to Austin. I can’t say enough about this band, and I excited that Fan Fest has given them an opportunity to be in Austin this weekend.

10:30- 11:30: DJ Danny Boy

(Spirit Theater): The WailersYes, THE Wailers… the legendary musicians who backed the great Bob Marley.  Expect excellent reggae from arguably the biggest reggae band of them all. A perfect fit for Austin, and a perfect way to unwind. This will be their first set of the evening.

11:30- 1:00 am: (Main Stage): Ghostland Observatory is an electronic dance duo that started melting faces back in 2004. Both Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner were born in Texas, and began making psychedelic waves in a state that has typically been home to rock and roll, blues, and country.

12:30 am - 1:30: (Spirit Theater): The Wailers second set for the evening.

1:00- 2:00: DJ Danny Boy

VIP LOUNGE:

10:00 pm- 2:00 am: DJ Jillian Ann will keep the atmosphere alive in the VIP lounge with an electronic soundscape that is pretty all encompassing. Her style includes elements of industrial, house, dubstep, d&b, and trance.

Enjoy this unofficial video of Ghostland Observatory performing in Minneapolis in 2010.