You wouldn’t be far off by calling the initial line up of the eighth installment of DelFest, the DelFest “All Stars” as it features many fan favorites from the first seven years including Old Crow Medicine Show, Railroad Earth, and Leftover Salmon, as well as Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass, and the Steep Canyon Rangers--bands that have seemingly grown up with the festival.
DelFest is also very excited to present a host of first time acts for its fans including Lake Street Dive, Shovels and Rope, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, D.C. area favorites and IBMA Hall of Fame members Seldom Scene, and Billy Strings & Don Julin.
Here’s a look at this year’s initial lineup (more acts will be announced in the coming months):
Del McCoury Band
Old Crow Medicine Show
Trampled By Turtles
Railroad Earth
Greensky Bluegrass
The Travelin' McCourys
Leftover Salmon
Lake Street Dive
Hot Rize
Shovels & Rope
The Jeff Austin Band featuring Danny Barnes, Ross Martin and Eric Thorin
Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers
Steep Canyon Rangers
The Gibson Brothers
Sierra Hull
The Seldom Scene
The Larry Keel Experience
Joe Craven
The Black Lillies
Mandolin Orange
Billy Strings & Don Julin
Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line
Dead Winter Carpenters
Ashleigh Flynn & The Back Porch Majority
DelFest 2015 will once again be held at the beautiful Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD (2.5 hrs from Baltimore and DC). The festival originated from the desire to create a family-friendly music festival celebrating the rich legacy of McCoury Music while creating a forum for world-class musical collaborations and to showcase fresh new talent with a down-home feeling. Produced in association with High Sierra Music, the 8th Annual DelFest will once again offer a quality festival experience stamped with the unique McCoury touch. Personally chosen by Del, the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD served as the perfect location for DelFest--nestled along the Potomac River in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, the Fairgrounds are convenient to four major airports and easily reached by rail or road. The city of Cumberland is also a great host offering multiple hotel options, a charming downtown and great amenities including biking, a steam train engine and museum, and some top notch dining.
In addition to traditional stage sets by these world-class artists, attendees can again expect to see one-of-a-kind collaborations, special guest sit-ins, various tributes to Del McCoury and his musical legacy, intimate appearances, both at unique “playshops”—informal workshops where the emphasis will be on performance rather than instruction—and in late night indoor performances and picking sessions. Delfest will be immediately preceded by a 3-day Music Academy hosted by The Travelin’ McCourys, along with Leigh Gibson of the Award winning Gibson Brothers band, and 7 time IBMA mandolin player of the year nominee, Sierra Hull, where all levels of musicians can learn from some of the best pickers in the world (the Academy will take place May 18, 19, & 20).
Four day festival tickets are currently on sale at www.delfest.com along with DELuxe VIP packages. A limited number of RV passes are still available.
