Just-announced performers Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Sarah Jarosz and the Del McCoury Band join a stellar lineup for the 27th annual Old Settler’s Music Festival, taking place April 10-13 at the Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood, Texas, south of Austin. Appalachian roots-rockers the Black Lillies also join a roster of 30 top roots, bluegrass and Americana acts performing on four stages. Single-day wristbands, 3- and 4-day packages and the all-inclusive platinum pass may be purchased at oldsettlersmusicfest.org or by calling 888.512.SHOW.
The festival consistently attracts a mix of beloved legends, respected veterans and hot new talent. Renowned names include Dr. Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys, Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott, Donna the Buffalo, North Mississippi Allstars, Robert Randolph & the Family Band and Gaelic Storm. Up-and-comers John Fullbright, Shovels & Rope, Lake Street Dive and Parker Millsap are destined to claim that status, also shared by Austin’s own Bob Schneider, Shinyribs and Wood & Wire.
Blues-rockers Big Head Todd & the Monsters are touring behind their first album of originals in four years, the just-released Black Beehive; jazz-soul quartet Lake Street Dive dropped Bad Self Portraits last week. The Del McCoury Band is celebrating McCoury’s 75th birthday, as well as its second Best Bluegrass Album Grammy.
“Old Settler’s feels more like a family reunion every year,” says festival director Jean Spivey. “I’m always as excited as any fan to share the warmth of this friendly community and witness so much talent in such a beautiful, relaxed and intimate setting. It’s a Texas hill country experience unlike any other.”
Many musicians playing Old Settler’s teach popular songwriting and performance workshops; the festival also supports talent development via its annual Youth Talent Competition for artists 18 and younger. Festival headliner Sarah Jarosz won the first competition in 2002; tomorrow’s headliners could be a win away. For entry information, click oldsettlersmusicfest.org/youth-talent.
The festival also features a market filled with unique crafts; children’s activities; and craft beer and food selections. Old Settler’s private-label wines will return, with new red and white blends produced exclusively for the festival by nearby Duchman Family Winery. Old Settler’s also has added a ride-sharing board accessible via Web, allowing festivalgoers to arrange joint transportation visit oldsettlersmusicfest.org/directions/ride-share/. Also Download the free app for schedules and more via iPhone or Android stores.
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