INSITE HINDSITE: Old Settlers Music Festival 2019

The 2019 Old Settlers Music Festival

Photos by Sean Claes for INsite Austin

TILMON, TX (JUST SOUTHEAST OF LOCKHART)

See the entire album here: link

Three Bands Who Typify The Music of Old Settlers Music Festival

The Music Of Old Settlers – An Example in Three Bands

By Sean Claes

The organizers of the 30^th Anniversary of Old Settler’s Music Festival have pulled out all the stops and are bringing what is quite possibly the most impressive musical line-up to date. And that’s not an easy task for this festival that each year rides the beautiful musical line that contains traditional bluegrass that involves a common microphone that all gather around to harmonize, today’s NEWgrass movement that includes jam bands and extensive light shows as well as non-traditional but amazing music.

For 2017, Old Settler’s Music Festival returns to Driftwood, Texas on April 20-23. The 4 day camping and music experience will be housed at the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCullough. A perfect place.

With so many great bands playing over the 4 day festival, it might be a little daunting to decide who to go see. Well… here’s INsite’s list of three bands that you should be sure NOT to miss this year.. and each typify a genre that Old Settlers masterfully melds each year.

The Del McCoury Band

Courtesy delmccouryband.com

There are few players alive today who’s very name personifies traditional bluegrass music. McCoury is at the forefront and Del is the leader. This year, attendees will be blessed with both a set from the DelMcCoury Band as well as The Travelling McCoury’s. When either iteration of this family band gathers around the microphone to sing, it transcends time and brings a smile across the crowd. 

Del has been playing for over 50 years was a member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in the 60’s, has recorded with Steve Earle AND has jammed onstage with Phish. That’s a little something for everyone there. You’ll be pleased as well.

The Travelin’ McCoury’s are both Del’s band for the past 29 or so years as well as a masterful band in their own right. Two of Del’s sons, Ronnie and Rob, bring the McCoury swagger and willingingness to stretch the line of traditional bluegrass for the sake of the song.

CATCH THEM:
The Travellin’ McCourys – Bluebonnet Stage – Saturday 4:40 – 5:50

Del McCoury Band – Hill Country Stage – Saturday 7:10 – 8:25

Los Lobos

Courtesy Loslobos.org

When I heard Los Lobos was coming to Old Settler’s, I just about jumped out of my seat. Los Lobos is my desert island band…. Meaning, if I were stranded on a desert island with only one album for the rest of my life… it’d be theirs – Just Another Band From East LA to be exact.

Their music transcends labels. It’s equal parts rock, tejano, conjunto, funk, Americana and folk. They are their own genre, in my book.

Perhaps Los Lobos’ Louie Perez said is better than I can describe it when he said “We’re a Mexican American band, and no word describes America like immigrant. Most of us are children of immigrants, so it’s perhaps natural that the songs we create celebrate America in this way.”

They paint a picture of the beauty of America with all of her cracks and scars with each stroke of a musical brush. Storytelling songs like “One Time One Night” go along with their well-known version of “La Bamba” their mystical sounds of “Kiko and the Lavender Moon.” Plus their more recent work is forward moving and stellar. 44 years into their career, they still have some tricks up their sleeves, and you should be there to watch.

CATCH THEM:

Hill Country Stage – Saturday 10:30 – Midnight

Shinyribs

Courtesy shinyribs.org

What is there to say about Kevin Russell, the founder and mastermind behind Shinyribs? The gentleman makes people happy. He causes the least of us to jump up and shake what their mama gave them. He is an entertainer. Whether you catch the full stage show with lights, dancers and wardrobe changes on a Saturday night or you catch the annual  final set of OSMF at the campground on Sunday, you will be transformed.

Musically, Shinyribs is amazingly impressive. Lyrically Russell spins tales in a way that makes you look at going to the convenience store in a different light (See “Poor People Store”). Personally, the dude is a hoot.

CATCH THEM:

Bluebonnet Stage – Saturday 11:00 – Midnight

Campground Stage – Sunday 4:30 – 5:30p

Six From Austin To See At the 2016 Old Settlers Music Festival

Six From Austin To See At the
2016 Old Settlers Music Festival 

By Sean Claes 

For the last 29 years, the Old Settlers Music Festival has been bringing some of the best bluegrass and jam bands to this area. It has grown into the Austin Area’s premiere family-friendly music and camping festival. 

The 29th Annual Old Settler's Music Festival is coming to Driftwood, Texas on April 14-17, 2016.

If you’ve never been to OSMF the video (posted below) is a pretty nice introduction. If you’ve attended one in the past, you know the magic and enjoyment that comes with your wristband. Heck, you might be featured in the video. 

  
Video by Happened by Chance Productions 
Song: Light & Love by The Infamous Stringdusters 

For 2016 it’s 4 days of music at Camp Ben McCullough and the Salt Lick Pavilion in Driftwood, Texas (Thursday and Sunday being at the Campgrounds only). 

Past artists include Guy Clark, Fred Eaglesmith, Railroad Earth, Peter Rowan, Joe Ely, Ralph Stanley and Robert Earl Keen. 

This year brings a stellar line-up. National treasures like Jerry Douglas, The Lonesome River Band, Rodney Crowell and The Del McCoury Band are featured alongside some great popular current acts and up-and-comers like Dawes, The Wood Brothers and The Milk Carton Kids. 

But me, being a lover of local music, the stand outs for this Music Festival above all others is the wealth of Austin-area bands that are featured. After taking a look at the line-up this year, here are 6 local bands you don’t want to miss during OSMF this year. 


Hayes Carll
Friday, 8:40pm - 9:55pm, Hill Country Stage
  

Awesome to have Austin music playing a late-night show at OSMF and Hayes Carll is a solid choice for that slot. 

Carll is a singer-songwriter that is been compared to Townes Van Zant and Jerry Jeff Walker. He was awarded Song of the Year for “Another Like You” by American Songwriter in 2011. He also penned “Chances Are” which was nominated for a 2016 Grammy (performed by Lee Ann Womack). 

I have been a fan of his since I heard "Good Friends" and "Long Way Home" from his 2005 album Little Rock but it wasn't until he co-wrote "Drunkin Poet's Dream" from 2008's Trouble In Mind that I really started following him with interest. 

He releases his 5th studio album, Lovers and Leavers this Friday (April 8, 2016). An album I'm quite interested in checking out. I'll probably pick a copy up at the OSMF sales tent. The song I posted for him is from the new release.



Carolyn Wonderland

Saturday, 3:20pm - 4:20pm, Bluebonnet Stage 

She has been compared to Janis Joplin for her voice and her brand of Texas Blues Rock, but Carolyn Wonderland is a musical island in and of herself. 

In her 25+ years of being a musician she’s won over many a fan (including Bob Dylan) and when she moved to Austin from Houston in 1999 she laid down solid roots. 

In 2008, her solo album “Miss Understood” solidified her as a leading female voice in her genre. She’s been awarded with best female vocalist in both the 2009 and 2012 Austin Music Awards and is part of all-female super group Sis Deville and the charitable super group Imperial Golden Crown Harmonizers. 

Make it to the Bluebonnet Stage on Saturday for her set. You’ll thank me later. 



Shinyribs


Saturday, 7:15pm - 8:30pm, Hill Country Stage 
Sunday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Campground Stage  

Kevin "Shinyribs" Russell is a musical anomaly. I’ve seen him perform by himself with just a mandolin, with The Gourds (now defunct) and with Shinyribs. Each iteration of what this man does is amazing. 

He writes some fantastic stomp-your-feet-and-dance music that marries zydeco and Americana. 

Those who are unaware of who he is may know him from a couple of cover songs he’s done, “Gin and Juice” (with The Gourds) and “All About That Bass” (Shinyribs) where he’s taken popular songs and reimagined them as Americana…. But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the talent that is Russell. 

Check out his set… and I dare you NOT to dance. It’s almost impossible. 



Bob Schneider 
Saturday, 10:50pm - Midnight, Hill Country Stage 

OK, I love that Bob Schneider is headlining the Hill Country Stage on Saturday night. 

You never know what you’ll see when you go to a Schneider show… what iteration of their catalog… what performer will show up… the radio friendly fun-loving Bob.. the heart on a sleeve songwriter Bob… the Joe Rockhead Bob, Ugly Americans or Scabs Bob. And the bonus is.. they are ALL amazing and memorable. 

He can control a crowd with the best of them… and it’s worth sticking around late into the night just to hear about a thousand people yell “TARANTULA!” 

Note: The only other musician from Austin that gives me the same feeling is Guy Forsyth. He’s not playing this years OSMF.. but still.. check him out. 


Sunday Line-up: 
Shinyribs, Band of Heathens, Milkdrive 
 Sunday is my favorite day at Old Settlers. It’s contained within the Campgrounds and there are far less people attending since most of the folks who attend the weekend are on their way home or otherwise occupied. 

It’s really a camper’s special with a few stragglers mixed in for good measure. And you never know whom you’ll see in the audience. 

There are five bands playing on Sunday, three of which are Austin acts. I’ve already written about Shinyribs so I’ll focus on the two others.

 

Band of Heathens 
Sunday, 1:20pm – 2:20pm, Campground Stage  

Band of Heathens are seven albums into their decade-long career and have solidified themselves as a premiere local band. They formed in 2005 when founding members Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist shared a stage at Austin’s now defunct club - Momo’s. 

They were awarded the Americana Music Association’s best band honor in 2010 and in 2013 the “Alternative Root” featured them in the top position in their top 50 Americana Bands. Local boys have done good since being awarded best new band in the 2007 Austin Music Awards. 

They’ve got hundreds of live recordings floating around, and their last studio record is 2013’s “Sunday Morning Record” which made it to the number 2 spot in the Americana Charts. 

I’m going to do my best to book-it from church to make it back to the Campground for them. You should too. 



MilkDrive
Sunday, 2:40pm – 3:30pm, Campground Stage  

Ray Benson (Asleep At The Wheel) has said that MilkDrive includes “some of the finest musicians in the world.” Big words from the legend, and Brian Beken, Dennis Ludiker, Noah Jeffries and Jesse Dalton can back that statement up. When you see MilkDrive, expect an instrument swapping, high energy amazing show. It amazes me they aren’t playing on the big stage on Friday or Saturday, but that is one of the things that make OSMF so special. 


There is no “throw-away” day. Even the campground shows are things of legend (You’re missing out if you don’t check out The Accidentals and the Jitterbug Vipers on Thursday at the Campgrounds) -- I hope to see you out there. It’s the perfect weekend to recharge your batteries and see some amazing music. If you see me, be sure and give me a high five. 




Here is the complete line-up:

2016 OLD SETTLER’S MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

(Artists and times subject to change)

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

Camp Ben McCulloch Stage

4-5:15 p.m. – The Accidentals

5:40-6:55 p.m. – The HillBenders

7:20-8:40 p.m. – Jitterbug Vipers

9:05-10:20 p.m. – Brothers Comatose

10:45 p.m. to midnight – Della Mae

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

Hill Country Stage

4-4:45 p.m. – Joelton Mayfield

5:15-6:25 p.m. – The Black Lillies

6:55-8:10 p.m. – Rodney Crowell

8:40-9:55 p.m. – Hayes Carll

10:30 p.m. to midnight – Dawes

Bluebonnet Stage

4-5:15 p.m. – Della Mae 

5:45-7 p.m. – Deer Tick


7:20-8:35 p.m. – The HillBenders present “The Who’s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry”

9:10-10:25 p.m. – The Suffers

10:45 p.m. to midnight – Jeff Austin Band

Discovery Stage

5-5:45 p.m. – The HillBenders

6-6:45 p.m. – Kent Finlay, Dreamer book reading and signing by Jenni Finlay

7-7:45 p.m. – Della Mae (songwriting)

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

Hill Country Stage

11-11:45 a.m. – The Deer

12:05-1:05 p.m. – Lonesome River Band

1:25-2:25 p.m. – Green River Ordinance

2:45-3:45 p.m. – Dustbowl Revival

4:05-5:20 p.m. – Jerry Douglas presents The Earls of Leicester

5:40-6:55 p.m. – Sarah Jarosz

7:15-8:30 p.m. – Shinyribs

8:50-10:20 p.m. – The Del McCoury Band

10:50 p.m. to midnight – Bob Schneider

Bluebonnet Stage

10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. – Youth Talent Competition


1:30-2:30 p.m. – Sierra Hull

2:40-3 p.m. – Youth Talent Competition winner


3:20-4:20 p.m. – Carolyn Wonderland

4:40-5:50 p.m. – David Ramirez 

6:10-7:20 p.m. – The Jay Farrar Trio performing songs from Son Volt’s Trace

7:45-8:55 p.m. – The Jayhawks

9:15-10:25 p.m. – The Milk Carton Kids 

10:45 p.m. to midnight – The Wood Brothers

Discovery Stage (Presented by The Bluegrass Situation)

2-2:30 p.m. – The Earls of Leicester

3-3:45 p.m. – Sarah Jarosz

4-4:45 p.m. – Sierra Hull

5-5:45 p.m. – Lonesome River Band

6-6:30 p.m. – Del McCoury Band

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

Camp Ben McCulloch Stage

10-10:45 a.m. – Sunday Service

11-11:45 a.m. – Lonesome River Band

noon to 1 p.m. – HONEYHONEY

1:20-2:20 p.m. – The Band of Heathens

2:40-3:30 p.m. – MilkDrive

4-5 p.m. – Shinyribs

 

Old Settlers Music Festival - Three To See

Old Settlers Music Festival 2015 Preview

Old Settlers Music Festival Crowd - 2014

By Sean Claes

This weekend is one of INsite's favorite festivals in the area, the Old Settler's Music Festival. Each year there has been some amazing acts come through the stages in Driftwood, Texas at the Salt Lick Pavillion and Camp Ben McCulloch. This year is no different.

The party begins April 16 and lasts through April 19. You can see the entire schedule via PDF here - link.

Thursday and Sunday are contained entirely at Camp Ben McCulloch (The Campground Stage). Friday and Saturday you can get your fill of music and Salt Lick BBQ at the Salt Lick Pavillion area which will boast two outdoor stages and a "workshop" stage indoors.

Big headliners this year include The Mavericks, Robert Earl Keen and Ray Wylie Hubbard and there's some great acts this year including Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, Milkdrive and Sam Bush. For the purpose of this preview, I'm going to pick three bands of whom you may not have heard to spotlight, because I think you should check them out. They are Roxy Roca, Shinyribs and Israel Nash. Learn a little about them and check a video by them out below.

Hope to see you out there this weekend!

Roxy Roca
(Bluebonnet Stage - Friday 9:10p)

Roxy Roca has been playing around the Austin area for a few years now. When I caught them playing a small club a few years ago two things amazed me. 
1. How could nine band members squeeze into that tight corner at Holy Mountain, and
2. How vocalist Taye Cannon could command the rooms attention like he was a Circuit Preacher and you had to hear the Good Word. 

The music Roxy Roca plays will bring out the electric-guitar-and-horns and Cannon's raspy soul  vocals will almost command a dance party to ensue... so Friday night after 9p outdoors at Old Settlers is a perfect place for them. 

But don't take my word for it. check them out for yourself. 

Here's the video for their first single from their February 2015 release Ain't Nothing Fancy - "Love Maker Deville."

Shinyribs
(Bluebonnet Stage - Saturday 10:50p)
(Campground Stage - Sunday 4:00p)

Kevin Russell's musical journey has been a fascinating one to watch. For almost 20 years he was the frontman for the Gourds, a fantastic  Shinyribs was a side project Russell began in 2007 while he was in the Gourds. With the Gourds on hiatus (Since October 2013) He's brought Shinyribs to the forefront. And it's glorious.

Shinyribs has an album, Okra Candy, that should drop this month (tentatively set for 4/21/15).... perhaps there will be a CD or two sold at the show. 

Shinyribs has it's share of great original music, but much like many came to the Gourds from their great rendition of Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice" I came across a Shinyribs live version of "All About The Bass" that is totally worth a listen. BUT, becasue I want to focus on their original music... here's their "Song of Lime Juice & Despair" from the band's  2013 release Gulf Coast Museum.





Israel Nash
(South Star Stage - Saturday 12:10p)


Hailing from Dripping Springs, Texas (By way of Missouri and New York) Israel Nash has been touring in support of his August 2014 release Rain Plains. His style of Americana kind of a 1970s classic rock twinge with some fantastic guitarwork and Nash's Neil Young-esque voice.

It's worth getting to OSMF early on Saturday to catch this act, you'll likely see him playing much larger stages soon enough.

Here's a video of him doing "Mansions" back in February of this year: