MUSIC

Settling in, year after year

Old Settler's veterans give reasons for tipping hats to laid-back fest

By Ed Crowell
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Thursday, April 16, 2009

The old settlers who chopped cedar and stacked stone along the banks of Onion Creek southwest of Austin started a trend. They figured out how to attract people.

Local Confederate veterans created a camp for annual reunions under giant oaks and named it after a heroic general and Texas Ranger, Ben McCulloch. Across the road, Thurman Roberts started a renowned barbecue joint on the ranch where he was born. Camp Ben and the Salt Lick keep a synergy going decades later in still-tiny Driftwood.

This weekend, the tie that binds will be music — with just enough people to qualify as a festival by Austin proportions.

Some 15,000 fans of bluegrass, folk, acoustic country and multiple permeations are expected at the Old Settler's Music Festival at the historic campgrounds and the stage sites outside the Salt Lick Pavilion. They'll come on the heels of South by Southwest seeking something a bit quieter, something more in tune with the springtime countryside and the idea that it's all good music whether on stage or around a campfire.

Listen to what veterans of Old Settler's have to say about why they keep returning. Many have learned the way to go is to join the four-day campfire camaraderie of Camp Ben McCulloch. Others make daylong visits only to the main stage areas next to the Salt Lick restaurant. All find it easy to settle into the friendly vibe and sounds that echo earlier times.

John T. Clark of New Hampshire. Headed here for a fifth year, despite economy forestalling others in usual group of six friends from New England.

The music: "I'm really looking forward this year to the Lee Boys with the Travelin' McCourys. I saw the Lee Boys at Suwanee Springfest in Florida seven years ago. They have that sacred steel guitar and gospel music going. They love to explore music together with the McCourys (a side project of Del McCoury's band members).

"There's always the chance some stage artists will stop by the campground. One highlight was the year Bryn Davies (vocals, bass), Sharon Gilchrist and Mike Marshall (both mandolin) all came by our Camp Bamboozle and jammed with everyone on Saturday night."

Robin Pippins of Austin. Going this year for second time.

The scene, with kids: "It was perfect because we have two young kids and our whole family could do it and our single friends came, too. Ten of us in all. We camped in RVs all four days.

"The kids loved it because there are so many things for them to do. We can listen to music a while, take a break for ice cream or the petting zoo during the day.

"Honestly it's not any certain acts that draw me, although I'm looking forward to the Gourds in the campground on Thursday. What I like is that the festival embodies Austin — everyone is so nice and enjoying whoever is on stage.

"Between you and me I don't want anyone else to find out about this fest."

Jerry Tredemeyer of Austin. Attended with two or three other couples the past eight years.

Advice for fest-goers: "We bring folding chairs and set up early in the day in front of the main stage where the sound is best (about two-thirds back near the sound board). There's never a problem leaving the chairs there and going over to the smaller stage.

"It's a great venue to enjoy with all the trees and the creek. It's just a special thing in the spring.

"I remember one time we were sitting around and talking about the acts we'd seen that year and we agreed the best band was the last one we listened to, whether it was that day, that fest, or whenever.

Austin Kessler of Austin. Veteran of 10 years, last six camping.

Comparisons to other fests: "One of the great things is that no matter how much you know about the music scene or how many musicians you know, there are always pleasant surprises at Old Settler's. I discovered there for the first time the jam bands — Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band, New Monsoon. It's bluegrass where they add percussion and sometimes electric guitars.

"At Old Settler's you park one time, but at SXSW it's all over town and you have to drive to different places and have several rolls of quarters to feed the parking meters. It's just a more manageable size at Old Settler's.

"I've done the Kerrville Folk Festival even longer than Old Settler's and it's even more about the campfires, the unofficial music. There's just one big stage going on in the evening or you're in the campground."