'roo diaries, round four.

For day one, click here.

For day two, click here.

For day three, click here.

And now, the end of my four-day journey. Thirty shows (I guess I didn't count right). Twelve full sets (and three almost full ones). Sixteen miles traversed on foot. Twenty hours of sleep total. And one heck of a great time.

Ted Leo consistently puts on a great show. Possibly the sweatiest performer at the 'roo, buckets poured as Leo and his Pharmacists tore through much-loved tunes like "Me and Mia" and "Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?"

I knew I would regret wandering the festival grounds before seeing Citizen Cope. I filled up my camelbak, took a trip to the porta-potty (unwillingly), and made my mark on the Jansport canvas prior to making the trek to the Which Stage. Halfway there, I heard a woman's voice belting over the speakers. I tried to pick up the pace since I had a feeling it was her, but once I reached a spot where I could see, Cope was already thanking Alice Smith for guesting. No Radiohead cover either (though I heard Gov't Mule pulled out an unexpected "Creep"), but I did hear solid renditions of "Sons Gonna Rise" and "Let the Drummer Kick."

I couldn't stop raving about Andrew Bird after seeing him last February. So it may come as a surprise to many that I managed to tear myself away from the barrier after seeing only twenty minutes. It was painful, but I knew that if I didn't, I would regret missing Okkervil River. With Chacos on his feet (which he shed before the first song) and the sock monkey in hand, Bird and his band opened with "Masterswarm" before playing old tunes I've never heard live, such as "Opposite Day" and "Fiery Crash."

Crossing the field to the sound of Bird whistling, I worked my way through the crowd and got a fairly decent spot for Okkervil River. The Austinites played more songs from their back catalog than I expected, pulling out "Westfall" and "A Stone" alongside newer favorites like "Pop Lie" and "A Girl in Port." Running well over their scheduled time, the closing trio "Lost Coastlines," "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe," and "Unless It's Kicks" absolutely KILLED. Next time I see Okkervil though, I need to get there at the beginning. Apparently I missed "Plus Ones."

My last full show of the weekend, Band of Horses ended up being my favorite show of the day (sorry Andrew!) Opening with "Monsters," Ben Bridewell and co. satisfied almost every BoH fan craving by joyously playing through tunes such as "The Great Salt Lake," "Marry Song," "Ode to the LRC" and the ever-popular "The Funeral." My friend Taylor, stretched out on the blanket beside me, kept yelling for "Islands on the Coast." He was eventually pacified by the three-song encore--two new tunes and a festive "The General Specific." As the stage area cleared out, familiar faces walked past from behind the stage--Okkervil's Lauren Gurgiolo, and Jeremy Ylvisaker and Mike Lewis from Andrew Bird's band. I guess BoH are irresistible to musicians too!

I didn't see Phish enough to write about their show (or two), so I won't attempt to. Both times I was way too tired to walk my butt over to the What Stage. All I know is that the crowd loved them, The Boss came out, and the crowd loved them more.

Well that's about it, folks. See you next year!

P.S. If anyone wants to offer me a media pass for 'roo 2010, I promise to cover even more shows. I'm a trooper :)