Have you heard? We’re heading to 32nd annual Old Settler’s Music Festival in Tilmon, Texas on Friday, April 12, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Old Settler’s recently made the Homestead in Tilmon their permanent campgrounds, and I am personally excited to camp for the first time this year and immerse myself in the full festival experience. There are tons of things I’m looking forward to this year, but first and foremost: let’s chat about the lineup.
This year’s lineup is honestly the best it quite possibly has ever been. Grammy winners and Austin locals, there are tons of artists we’re looking forward to seeing, so I’ve compiled together our top five.
Brandi Carlile

A three-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and producer, Brandi Carlile has been practicing music since she first learned singing at the young age of eight. Since then, she has grown, expanded, and blessed many with her raw, emotional melodies and lyrics that nearly all can relate to. For all the details on Brandi, be sure to check out our recent article we released prior to her speaking at SXSW! On a personal note, this will be the first time I’ll be seeing Brandi perform live, and I’m fully anticipating many feels and many tears.
Day and Time: Saturday, April 13 from 8:30-10:00 PM
Stage: Original Black’s BBQ Stage
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Another Grammy winner (four to be exact!), Jason Isbell is an American singer-songwriter from Alabama. Joined by the 400 Unit featuring Jimbo Hart (bass, vocals), Sadler Vaden (guitar, vocals), Derry deBorja (keys), Chad Gamble (drums, vocals), and Amanda Shires (fiddle), Jason Isbell is one of Old Settler’s major headliners. I personally cannot wait to hear his dreamy voice and sway to my favorite song “Tupelo.”
Day and Time: Friday, April 12 from 8:30-10 PM
Stage: Original Black’s BBQ Stage
The Lone Bellow

DOriginating from Brooklyn, New York, the Lone Bellow is an American/indie folk/alt-country band that features the spirited Zach Williams (guitar, lead vocals), the glamorous Kanene Pipkin (mandolin, bass, keyboard, vocals), the soulful Brian Elmquist (guitar, vocals), and Jason Pipkin. We had the chance to see them perform at the Granada Theater in Dallas last year. This will be the band’s second time performing at Old Settler’s and I can’t wait to see them again!
Day and Time: Saturday, April 13 from 7:40 – 8:55 PM
Stage: Bluebonnet Stage
Mandolin Orange

DAn Americana/folk duo from North Carolina, Mandolin Orange consists of Andrew Marlin (vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo) and Emily Frantz (vocals, violin, guitar). Another Old Settler’s veteran, Mandolin Orange is bound to be one of the most relaxing yet moving sets this year. I was so bummed to miss their performance two years ago but am grateful to have another chance to see them.
Day and Time: Friday, April 12 from 9:00 – 10:15 PM
Stage: Bluebonnet Stage
Penny and Sparrow

DPenny and Sparrow is another dynamic duo featuring Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke. Both Texas natives, Andy and Kyle create music that touches the heart and soul while simultaneously making your foot tap. I’m looking forward to spreading out a blanket on the grass, soaking in their tunes, and enjoying an hour of pure bliss with them.
Day and Time: Saturday, April 13 from 4:50 – 5:55 PM
Stage: Bluebonnet Stage
If you haven’t already, there’s still time to snag a ticket! Visit here to do so – day passes, 3-day passes, and even camping passes are still available. We hope to see y’all there!
Stay tuned for recaps and photo galleries to come, and be sure to follow us on Instagram to catch all the shenanigans during the festival.
Featured photo credit: Brandi Carlile at SXSW/Photo by Leigh Kettle/ShuffleOnline
Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.