The 17th annual Old Settler's Music Festival offers a variety of acts from the worlds of American music. The Del McCoury Band headlines with their rip-roaring traditional bluegrass sound, celebrating the roots of its music with pristine musicianship and blistering solos. Centered by guitarist/singer McCoury and his sons on mandolin and banjo, the group has brought in seven "Entertainer of the Year" honors at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.
This year's Old Settler's Festival features many of bluegrass' biggest innovators. Mandolinst David Grisman brings his quintet of virtuosos to play his "Dawg" music - a combination of bluegrass, jazz and Latin. Alison Brown also comes with her quintet, showcasing her amazing banjo lines over more jazzy, progressive backgrounds. And newgrass-playing Hot Rize - featuring Pete Wernick on banjo and Tim O'Brien on mandolin - will also be in attendance.
Old Settler's features some of Texas' best offerings as well. The South Austin Jug Band brings a more open, jamming approach to bluegrass, while The Gourds play their quirky, Irish/folk-edged tunes. The Greencards, a band assembled here in Austin but featuring two Australians and an Englishman, have been creating quite a buzz with their debut release, "Movin' On." Austin's Two High String Band is led by mandolinist Billy Bright and his bassist, wife Bryn, in support of their debut album, "Insofarasmuch."
Old Settler's also features an array of great singer-songwriters: Terri Hendrix, Libby Kirkpatrick, Trish Murphy and Stephen Bruton amongst them. Notable here is folk and bluegrass legend Peter Rowan; once a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys, Rowan has long since grown into his own sound and brings his reggae band to Old Settler's. Several acts offer some different and exciting sounds to festival-goers: The Motet bring their solid jazz and funk grooves complete with some wailing saxophone, and Split Lip Rayfield take a rowdy, rocking approach to bluegrass.
Located at the Saltlick Pavilion and featuring performance workshops, camping spots and plenty of food, the planners of Old Settler's Music Festival have put together one exciting event. For any fans of bluegrass, folk and American musics, Old Settler's Festival provides a plethora of wonderful artists to enjoy.
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