Apr 23
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.
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