McCoury putting together his first DelFest and he needs your help
Brace yourself for DelFest — the very first annual DelFest.
And Del? That would be Del McCoury who, in conjunction with High Sierra Music, will play the role of festival host on Memorial Day Weekend.
McCoury personally chose the festival site, the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Md. The grounds are nestled along the Potomac River in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, convenient to four major airports and easily reached by rail or road, with ample tent and RV camping on site as well as plentiful lodging nearby.
“I’ve had opportunities to host a festival before,” said McCoury, “but I always thought that if I was going to do it, I’d want to make sure that it was done right.”
It looks like he’s on the money, judging from advance publicity on the event and the marketing efforts, which include VIP packages for the ultimate festival appearance.
Those putting together the lineup say the roster is still being built, but the foundation for the three-day event looks powerful. In addition to appearances by the Del McCoury Band throughout the weekend, Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Keller Williams and The Keels, David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, Sam Bush, Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet featuring Bela Fleck, the David Bromberg Band, Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile, Railroad Earth, Emmitt-Nershi Band, Great American Taxi featuring Vince Herman, Jon Fishman (artist-at-large), Steep Canyon Rangers, Adrienne Young and The Lee Boys are among those already confirmed, many for multiple performances.
In addition to traditional stage sets by these world-class artists, attendees can expect to see one-of-a-kind collaborations, special guest sit-ins, and various tributes to Del McCoury and his musical legacy.
Each day’s schedule will also feature more 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. Whether they’re “parking lot pickers” or music fans, festival-goers will have plenty of opportunities to interact with their favorite artists.
Rounding out the program, Delfest will include a band competition, with the winners invited to return for a set at the following year’s gathering.
While music will be central to Delfest, every aspect of the festival experience will be shaped by its host’s concern for and appreciation of the fans. The festival will offer interactive children’s programs, a craft fair featuring regional and international artisans and an eclectic food court, along with the chance to simply relax and camp with good friends in hopefully gorgeous weather.
The festival runs Friday, May 23, through Sunday May 25. Gates open at 8 a.m. on May 23.
Tickets are on sale now at delfest.com. Discount three-day adult passes are $110 through March 17 or while supplies last. (Limited quantity available at this price.) Two-day passes are $99 through March 17 (or while this quantity lasts).
Three-day pass for kids aged 6 to 12 are $30, two-day passes are $20, and kids age 5 and under admitted free. On-site camping is included with all multi-day passes.
On-site RV Passes with hookups are $100; RV Passes without hookups are $35.
Premium VIP Packages include three-day festival passes, separate entry and camping areas, access to a VIP lounge near the main stage featuring a special viewing area, private port-o-johns, chair massage, a lounge area with beverages and snacks, admission to all late night performances, festival t-shirts, festival posters and drink tickets.
These packages are designed for both individuals and groups of two. VIP Package 3 includes an RV pass with guaranteed, reserved hook-up. Prices range from $375 to $800.
No commentsBluegrass on the Grand Ole Opry this week
Kathy Mattea “COAL” (Captain Potato Records)This weekend’s lineup for the Friday and Saturday night Grand Ole Opry features a heaping helping of Bluegrass Music.
Dailey and Vincent, who have had a meteoric rise to the top of the Bluegrass Charts, will make an appearance on the Friday night Opry. Bobby Osborne and Rocky Top X-Press, The Whites and Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys are also scheduled to perform.
Friday’s show will see Kathy Mattea grace the stage of the Opry. Mattea’s recent release “COAL” is garnering critical acclaim not only for the excellent musical offerings but also for bringing the environmental impact of coal mining to the public eye.
Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry will feature 2 sets of music from The Infamous Stringdusters who are gearing up for their 2nd release for Sugar Hill Records, titled “The Infamous Stringdusters” that hits the store shelves on June 10.
The Saturday night will also see The Whites, Elizabeth Cook and The Grascals, all of who are playing on the early and late shows.
Friday, April 25
- The Whites — 8:00 - 8:30
- Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press — 8:00 - 8:30
- Dailey & Vincent — 8:30 - 9:00
- Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys — 9:00 - 9:30
- Kathy Mattea — 9:30 - 10:00
Saturday, April 26
- The Infamous Stringdusters — 7:00 - 8:00 & 10:00 - 10:30
- The Whites — 8:30-9:00 & 11:00 - 11:30
- Elizabeth Cook — 8:30-9:00 & 11:00 - 11:30
- The Grascals — 8:30-9:00 & 11:00 - 11:30
The Grand Ole Opry is broadcast live on WSM 650 AM radio, online at www.WSMonline.com and on XM Satellite Radio (XM 11). All listed times are central time.
No commentsSilver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival gets underway May 10
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage will appear at Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival. Photo by Albert Sanchez.Branson, Mo. — At Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival, the liveliness of bluegrass music brings family harmonies and upbeat melodies to the stages and streets with over 50 bands and more than 500 performances. Amid the flavors of bluegrass music are the seasonings of an All-American barbecue. These two ingredients combine to create one of the Midwest’s most popular springtime festivals at Silver Dollar City, May 10 – June 1.
Throughout the years, bluegrass music has evolved into a musical genre that showcases award-winners and up-and-comers featuring new sounds and traditional favorites. “Bluegrass music has been influenced by, and has influenced, many other styles of music since its creation,” says Bluegrass & BBQ coordinator D.A. Callaway. This influence can be seen in the growth of crossover and cutting-edge bluegrass artists like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rhonda Vincent and The Grascals. Traditional flavors can still be heard from bands such as Dailey & Vincent and NewFound Road, all playing during Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.
The House of BBQ serves up a barbecue feast from St. Louis ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob, direct from large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker for Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor. Sample hundreds of sauces from smoky chipotle and sweet hickory to Carolina vinegar and honey habanero.
The festival also highlights two national competitions with the 2nd Annual National Single Mic Championship on May 17 and 18, and the Youth In Bluegrass Band Competition on May 24 and 25. New for 2008, Great American Country Nights In Echo Hollow presents today’s greatest country hits nightly in the park’s 4,000-seat amphitheater.
Silver Dollar City, located near Branson, Missouri, is open daily during Bluegrass & BBQ, May 10 – June 1. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. May 24 & 25). For tickets, information and a complete schedule of performances, call 1-800-831-4FUN, or visit the web site, www.silverdollarcity.com.
Bluegrass headliners include:
- Seven-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year Rhonda Vincent
- 2006 & 2007 IBMA Entertainer of the Year The Grascals
- 2005 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and Grammy nominees Cherryholmes
- 2007 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Bradley Walker
- A special concert by 3-time Grammy winner the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on May 30
