One of my favorite weekends of the year came and went faster than I would have liked, and I’m still reminiscing on the good times I had and endless tunes that were enjoyed. Across the beautiful fields of Tilmon, Texas, Old Settler’s Music Festival was held from Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14. I had the chance to attend and camp through the whole weekend and am still reeling over the amazing experience it was as a whole. Read more about it here!
I’ve been unraveling the weekend bit by bit but couldn’t wait to share some of my favorite shots from the weekend and the bands I grew to love! Here are my highlights from Friday.
The Last Bandoleros
From San Antonio, The Last Bandoleros are a four-piece band that blend country, rock, and Tex Mex vibes. The band features Diego Navaira
(guitarist/vocalist), Derek James (guitarist/vocalist), Jerry Fuentes (guitarist/vocalist), and Emilio Navaira (percussion/vocalist). High energy and down-right fun, The Last Bandoleros got everyone up on their feet dancing the afternoon away.
Amanda Shires
Singer-songwriter and violinist Amanda Shires is another Texas-native who made her way back to the home-state for Old Settler’s. The wife of Jason Isbell (an a part of the 400 unit), Amanda mixes Americana, folk, and country elements to create a sound of her own. I loved every minute of her set, and damn – she got style.
The Del McCoury Band
The Del McCoury Band has been performing at Old Settler’s longer than anyone can remember. A Grammy-winning bluegrass band, The Del McCoury band consists of Del McCoury (vocals/guitar), Ronnie McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Alan Bartram (bass), and Jason Carter (fiddle). An Old Settler’s rite of passage, their set perfectly captured the spirit of the festival.
Jason Isbell
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 was one of Old Settler’s major headliners. His dreamy voice has everyone swaying and swooning to the beat, a perfect night-cap to end a Friday.
Mandolin Orange
An 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 was one of the most relaxing yet moving sets this year. I was so bummed to miss their performance two years ago but found myself grateful for another chance to see them this year. I already can’t wait to see them live again!
Stay tuned for more recaps and photos galleries from OSMF 2019, and be sure to check out our other music adventures here!
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.