A bluegrass/folk festival in the heart of Tilmon, Texas (just a little outside of Austin), Old Settler’s is personally one of my favorite music festivals and was recently named USA Today’s #5 out of the top-ten music festivals. I had the opportunity to attend the whole weekend from April 12-14 and enjoyed the camping, good food, and tons of incredible artists who graced the festival grounds. Read all about it here!
One of the best things about Old Settler’s is that it never fails to introduce me to new artists who will inevitably become some of my favorites. This year, it was Penny and Sparrow.
Penny and Sparrow is a 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. At first listen you might think, “Leigh, these guys are amazing, but their music is way chill.” Though this is very true, what you wouldn’t know unless you’ve seen them live is that these dudes are HILARIOUS.
The first band I saw on Saturday, Penny and Sparrow was the perfect kick-off for day three of Old Settler’s. Festival-goers gathered near the Bluebonnet stage and were soon all mesmerized by the duo’s harmonies, melodies, and charm that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. In between songs, the two cracked jokes with each other and the audience, too witty for words. At one point the crowd was roaring with laughter, inevitably attracting passerby who eventually joined in on the jokes and fun.
Some of their best songs performed include “Kin,” “Gold,” “Wendigo,” “Finery,” and a breathtaking cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” which involved some fun crowd participation. Gone too soon, their set was one of the best I caught over the weekend, one that I’ll always remember and wish I could relive.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Penny and Sparrow’s most recent album “Wendigo” and their newest single “Eloise” which was released on May 3.
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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.