Make the Most of Old Settlers Music Fest

The Old Settlers Music Festival, a celebration of bluegrass, blues, Americana, roots, and acoustic jazz—takes place April 18-21 at Camp Ben McCulloch and the Salk Lick Pavilion in Driftwood. See the April issue for writer John T. Davis’ take on this popular spring event. Here, Executive Director Jean Spivey offers a few tips for making the most of your weekend.

“If you’re going to the festival for the campground shows, on Thursday and Sunday, you can bring coolers and your own food,” says Jean. “But at the Salt Lick Pavilion, where we have shows on Friday and Saturday, we don’t allow them. But we do sell a selection of great food, beer, and wine! We’re selling craft beers, but we’re also offering our own private-label wine, made by Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood.  

“Also, we offer free parking on site, but on Saturday you’ll want to come early because we always overflow to the rancher’s field across the street. And parking there costs $5 per car.

“Please bring your instrument if have one. There are lots of impromptu jams that spring up, and we also have lots of free performance workshops. Even if you don’t play, some of the workshops can be interesting. For example, we have a shaker workshop, where the instructors talk about rhythm and how to shake your shaker!

“If you’re bringing kids, know that the kids’ activities are  most plentiful on Saturday. We have all the inflatables, plus pony rides, a petting zoo, arts-and-crafts, and of course the Youth Competition on Saturday morning at 10:30. We have had a lot of good talent come through the Youth Competition, such as Grammy-nominee Sarah Jarosz. Certainly worth checking out."