What’s up fellow festival fanatics? That’s right, it’s that time again. Festival season is here! I just got back from DelFest, and all I have to say is, “Del Yeah!” That phrase was everywhere at this predominately bluegrass music festival that takes place in the beautiful hills of Cumberland Maryland, and is hosted by the great Del McCoury. Or should I say the happy Del McCoury. He could be the jolliest man I’ve ever seen. Whether he was rolling through the grounds on a golf cart hanging out with fans, or playing a show, Del had a big smile on his face that filled everyone’s hearts with Joy. Often times during his shows I saw him chuckling and it seemed like he was not going to be able to sing, but then pulled it together and delivered a beautiful falsetto harmony just in the nick of time. The bottom line is, this 75 year old guy knows how to throw a party, and I feel lucky to have been apart of it.
The festival took place at the fairgrounds and felt like there were rides or carnival games just around the corner at all times (there weren’t, but that would have been awesome right?). It sat at this base of these huge bigger than hills but not quite mountains that were covered by thick green trees and looked like giant sleeping dinosaurs. It was absolutely beautiful, and the perfect size as well, not too big, not too small , but just right. The lines were never long and it was easy to go back and fourth from the two stages or grab a bite to eat. DelFest was well organized, the staff couldn’t have been any nicer, the weather was perfect and the music was amazing. What more can a guy ask for.
And bring the kids to this one, because DelFest maybe the most family friendly festival I have been to. Face-painted, hula-hooping star children were everywhere and provided additional entertainment. There was an area made especially for kids where they could make arts and crafts, learn to play music, and watch musical performances with interactive singing and dancing.
As I said before the music was amazing! Honestly, I feel every act I saw was so good and they all deserves some press, but it just can’t be done and I will do my best to keep it brief. Basically you can check the line-up and add every act to your must-see list. Anyway here’s how it went down. There were 2 shows by Greensky Bluegrass, 2 shows by Railroad Earth, and 2 shows by Rev Payton’s Big Damn Band, and they all were super hoe-downs if you know what I mean (lost of dancing). The Del McCoury Band played 3 shows throughout the weekend and so did The Travlin’ McCourys. that family was busy all weekend.
Ricky Scaggs played a wonderful day time set with Bruce Hornsby on piano, and the incredible string band Kentucky Thunder backing them up.
Bela Fleck played a show with his Wife Abbey Washburn, who plays the banjo almost as good as he does, and all I can say is that it was some of the most incredible banjo playing and singing that I have ever seen. Not to mention their baby son Juno was sitting stage left wiggling to the music and waving to the crowd. It was emotional.
The String Cheese Incident played 2 sets on the last day that had everyone throwing down (dancing as hard as they could)! These guys are back in full force with a new album in hand, and I can’t wait to see what they bring this summer.
Most of the bands hung out at the festival all weekend so there was guest playing and collaborations happening all the time. It seemed like every band had Del join them for a song or two, Billy Nershi played a couple of tunes with The Travlin’ McCourys, and Jeff Austin came out and played with String Cheese.
I have to give a shout out to The California Honeydrops, and to Sierra Hull. The honeydrops played to great shows of jammy zydeco grass (I just made that up), very dancy. And Sierra Hull is a beautiful young lady, who sings even more beautifully than she looks, and plays a mean mandolin. Check them out whenever you can, and you can thank me later.
Where Del goes I shall follow. Hanging out with this guy and his family all weekend was simply a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to do it again next year. And I will practice my guitar pickin’ a lot more before I go so I can keep up with the incredible jams that took place all day and all night long throughout the campground.
Well festi-friends, thanks for taking the time to read this. I’ll catch you at the next festival, hopefully it’s not too far down the road. Peace and joy to all.