River Revival Music Festival is almost upon us! In its fifth year, this one-of-a-kind music festival is held on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas. An all-inclusive experience, the festival will run from Thursday, September 26, to Sunday, September 29.
This will be my first year attending, and I can barely contain my excitement. For years I’ve heard that this particular festival is right up my alley, and I can’t wait to see it meet — better yet, exceed — all expectations I’ve held in my mind.
This year’s lineup is particularly bomb, chock full of local artists all around Texas, across all sorts of genres. If you haven’t already, be sure to give their official Spotify playlist a listen (I’m doing so as I write this).
Below are seven bands/musicians I’m particularly excited to see at River Revival 2019, many of which I’ve been able to catch a show or two in Austin before! Know some of them too? Leave a comment below!
JD McPherson
An artist I’m lucky to say I’ve seen before, Jonathan David (JD) McPherson is a blues and rockabilly singer-songwriter with roots from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. His retro tunes that tap into the 1950s rock n’ roll era are bound to have us all dancing and feeling like we hopped back in time, if just for a moment. Supporting band members include Jimmy Sutton, Jason Smay, Ray Jacildo and Doug Corcoran.
Catch JD McPherson on the Lone Star Beer Main Stage on “The Lawn” at River Revival on Saturday, September 28, at 10:45 p.m.
JD McPherson performed at Old Settler’s Music Festival in 2018.
Shinyribs
An Austin classic, y’all. I think I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen Shinyribs, and I’m totally okay with it! Founded by frontman Kevin Russell, Shinyribs features Winfield Cheek (keyboards), Keith Langford (drums), Jeff Brown (bass), the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns, Kelley Mickwee and Alice Spencer. I can’t wait to jam out to their hip-shaking and soulful anthems on the waterside with a beer in hand.
Catch Shinyribs on the Lone Star Beer Main Stage on “The Lawn” at River Revival on Friday, September 27, at 10:45 p.m.
Folk Family Revival
Another band I’ve had the chance to see live in the past, Folk Family Revival is quite possibly the perfect fit for River Revival. Made up of brothers Mason (vocals and guitar), Barrett (bass) and Lincoln Lankford (drums and percussion) and family friend Caleb Pace (electric guitar, mandolin and lap steel), Folk Family Revival is a band known to bend genres, from Americana to folk, rock to bluegrass.
Catch Folk Family Revival on the Lone Star Beer Main Stage on “The Lawn” at River Revival on Friday, September 27, at 9:20 p.m.
Folk Family Revival celebrated a new album release at Austin’s Sam Town Point in June 2019.
Madeline Edwards
Houston-based Madeline Edwards is known to cross West Coast jazz background with Southern soul, creating what she calls the new “jazz-fusion.” With dreamy vocals and groovy melodies, Madeline’s set will be the perfect one to kick back, lay out and relax to.
Catch Madeline Edwards on the Lone Star Beer Main Stage on “The Lawn” at River Revival on Friday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m.
Pecos Hank
A musician, songwriter, filmmaker and professional storm chaser based in Houston, Texas, Pecos Hank is yet another musician I’ve seen perform at a Splice Records event (Are you seeing a trend here? We clearly LOVE Splice). Also known as Hank Schyma, Pecos Hank covers a multitude of genres including Americana, gypsy jazz and roots rock.
Catch Pecos Hank on The Corner Pub Stage at “Zen City” at River Revival on Saturday, September 28, at 2:45 p.m.
Pecos Hank kicked off an evening of groovy performances at Splice Records’ BowiElvis Fest in January 2019.
Sweet Crude
Guys. I recently discovered this band and immediately fell in love. Not exaggerating. Indigenous to Southern Louisiana, Sweet Crude showcases the region’s French-speaking tradition through their progressive and enchanting music. The band currently features Jack Craft, Sam Craft, Stephen MacDonald, Alexis Marceaux, Dave Shirley and Skyler Stroup. Just listening to them on Spotify, I already know Sweet Crude is going to put on a beautifully spirited show.
Catch Sweet Crude on the Lone Star Beer Main Stage on “The Lawn” at River Revival on Saturday, September 28, at 9:30 p.m.
Swimwear Department
A band I’m particularly excited to see again, Swimwear Department is a guaranteed good time. Featuring Matt Graham, Jack Gordon, Jeremy Grisbee and Ned Gayle, Swimwear Department is a post-punk rock band from Houston, Texas. Not only can these guys rock, but they also can deliver tons of laughs while doing it.
Catch Swimwear Department on the Lonestar Beer Main Stage on “The Lawn” at River Revival on Saturday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m.
Swimwear Department also performed at Splice Records’ BowiElvis Fest in 2019, another event I can’t wait to attend again!
River Revival takes place from September 26 to September 29, and tickets are all-inclusive. You don’t need a fancy wristband loaded with money here. Just bring a good attitude and the essentials, and get ready to have a great time! Snag your ticket at https://www.riverrevival.net/.
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.