Yesterday I wrote about the history and vibe of Old Settler’s Music Festival. But the driving reason most Twangvillians would go to this event is the music. OSMF has a rich tradition of using a broad definition of Americana music when booking their acts, and 2023 was no exception. A new format allowed festival goers to, technically, see every performer. That would have required a little more stamina than I possess, but I managed to catch almost all of them. Here were my favorites.
Our Musical Future Is In Good Hands: The Old Setter’s organization has long offered support and encouragement to younger musicians. Executive Director Talia Bryce pushed that even further this year. In addition to Youth Talent Contest winner Audry Bryant, a number of early career standouts were in the lineup. Big Richard, the alter-ego of 4 young female bluegrass musicians delivered a whimsical and talented start to the main stage on Saturday. Earlier that day, Jack Barksdale amazed the crowd with his blues guitar prowess. A Friday highlight was Twisted Pine, whose addition of flutist Anh Phung gave the group a Jethro Tull meets Nickel Creek groove.
Riding the Rocket Ship: A few performers have just exploded in the post-pandemic music world, and three of them showed why at this event. Molly Tuttle has justifiably caught everyone’s attention, but with the addition of her inconceivably good band Golden Highway, it all gets pushed to the stratosphere. Pop/soul/R&B priestess Yola delivered an arena-quality show to close out Saturday. After decades of touring, guitar magician Tommy Emmanuel has achieved cult status with a one-man show that leaves you gobsmacked.
Still the King: Over the years it’s been my observation that most bands have ups and downs. Changing line-ups, life on the road, contractual disputes, it all takes it toll. A small handful of bands never seem to disappoint, though, and three of them were at this year’s festival. No one delivers entertainment like Shinyribs. Falling somewhere between hoedown and Las Vegas all-star revue, he did three sets, including a tribute to his old band The Gourds. Playing OSMF as just one of only six appearances for all of 2023, Elephant Revival didn’t miss a note demonstrating why they’re stilled loved five years after going on official hiatus. Oliver and Chris Wood have delivered great music for decades, but when you add Jano Rix, The Wood Brothers are one of the finest acts you’ll ever see. As a first time attendee remarked to me, “if that guy calls in sick, it’ll take 3 extra musicians to cover for him”.
Old Settler’s Music Festival is always the third weekend in April, so mark you calendars now for 2024.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.