Del McCoury announces finalized lineup for 1st annual DelFest bluegrass and music festival
Nasvhville, Tenn. — Bluegrass master Del McCoury today announced the complete line-up for his inaugural DelFest, May 23 through 25 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD.
DelFest was born 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. Produced in association with High Sierra Music, DelFest will offer a quality festival experience stamped with the unique McCoury touch. With Del’s easygoing yet uncompromising commitment to quality combined with his experience at the High Sierra Music Festival (whose 18th annual High Sierra Music Festival takes place July 3 through 6 in Quincy, CA) Del has created a world-class event with a down-home feeling. McCoury says, “I’ve had opportunities to host a festival before but I always thought that if I was going to do it, I’d want to make sure that it was done right.”
Personally chosen by Del, Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD is the perfect location for the inaugural 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.
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 “parking lot pickers” or just plain music fans, festival-goers will have plenty of opportunities to interact with their favorite artists. Rounding out the program, DelFest will include a bluegrass band competition, with the winners invited to return for a regular set at the following year’s gathering.
Yet while music will be central to Delfest, every aspect of the festival experience will be shaped by Del’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 gorgeous weather. The Fairgrounds have ample tent and RV camping on site with plentiful lodging nearby. Those who venture into the surrounding area will find a range of recreational options, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. Finally, VIP packages will be available for those who want to take their Delfest experience to the ultimate level.
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
For detailed information and to purchase tickets, visit www.delfest.com.
Three-day adult passes, $125, Two-day adult passes, $110 through April 14 or while supplies last. Kids 6-12: Three-day passes are $30 and Two-day passes are $20; 5 & under admitted free. On-site camping is included with all multi-day passes. Limited On-site RV passes with hookups are $100. RV Passes with no hook-up are $35.
DelFest offers a limited number of VIP Packages. All packages include three-day festival passes plus access to a VIP lounge near the main stage, giving you an opportunity to catch your favorite artists up close. The VIP Lounge will feature elevated viewing, private port-o-johns, a massage chair (limited hours), beverages and snacks. Additionally, each day there will be a happy hour and Artist Meet and Greet. VIP purchasers will have a separate entry procedure, the option for early entry on Thursday evening, and designated VIP camping areas. Packages also include tickets to all late night shows plus 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.
About Del McCoury
At the age of 69, McCoury is at the height of his game, and has become a major bridge in bringing bluegrass to a wider audience. At McCoury’s shows, college students cheer alongside the fans that have been following McCoury’s music since his very first album. McCoury—along with his band—has now won more International Bluegrass Music Association awards than any other artist (including 9 Entertainer of the Year Awards), has won a Grammy, along with seven total nominations, and has even had a top 10 video on CMT. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2003 and now divides his time between traditional bluegrass festivals, jam gatherings–recently playing with such bands as Phish, Leftover Salmon, and Yonder Mountain String Band, and prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
About High Sierra
High Sierra Music has been producing world-class music festivals since 1991. An independent production company based in Berkeley, CA, the organization was founded with the first High Sierra Music Festival, its cornerstone event that takes place every July 4th weekend in Northern California, and remains committed to its grassroots beginnings by drawing support from its loyal community of patrons, staff, volunteers and non-corporate sponsors. In addition to the High Sierra Music Festival, the organization has produced events in Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri and Las Vegas, and presents concerts in San Francisco and the Lake Tahoe area. This year, High Sierra Music presents the 18th Annual High Sierra Music Festival July 3-6, 2008 in Quincy, CA.
McCoury Music and Sierra Music present first annual “Delfest”
Del McCoury BandBluegrass master Del McCoury announced that he’ll be hosting a world-class music festival over Memorial Day weekend. Produced in association with High Sierra Music, the 1st Annual DelFest will build on McCoury’s record in presenting a popular New Year’s Eve concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, his success with his own McCoury Music label and, of course, his reputation as a legendary artist whose appeal crosses generations and genres to offer a festival experience stamped with the unique McCoury touch.
Though the inaugural lineup is still being finalized, it’s clear that the bluegrass patriarch’s wide-ranging appeal and cross-genre friendships are shaping the three-day program. 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, 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.
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.
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 gorgeous weather. Personally chosen by Del McCoury, Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD is a perfect location, 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.
The 1st Annual DelFest takes place Friday, May 23 through Sunday May 25, 2008 at the Allegany Fairgrounds in Cumberland, MD. Gates open at 8:00AM on May 23.
Tickets are on sale now at delfest.com. Discount three-day adult passes are $110 through March 10 or while supplies last. (Limited quantity available at this price.) Three-day pass for kids aged 6 to 12 are $30; 5 and under admitted free. On-site camping is included with all multi-day passes. On-site RV passes with hookups are $100. 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.
Del McCoury Band’s Current Schedule:
- Mar 7 Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO
- Mar 8 Argyle Bluegrass Festival - Argyle, TX
- Mar14 York Expo Center/Memorial Hall - York , PA
- Mar 15 The National - Richmond, VA
- Apr 2 7 New Orleans Jazz Festival - New Orleans, LA
- May 23-25 DELFEST - Cumberland, MD
- Jun 19 Telluride Bluegrass Festival - Telluride, CO
- Jun 22 Center for the Arts - Jackson, WY
- Jul 18 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival - Ancramdale, NY
- Jul 19 25th Annual Mineral BG Festival - Mineral, VA
- Aug 2 Sleeping Bear Dunegrass Festival - Empire, MI
- Aug 7 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Bethel, NY
- Aug 8 Lake Champlain Bluegrass Festival - Alburg, VT
- Aug 16 26th Annual Cherokee BG Festival - Cherokee, NC
- Aug 29 37th Annual Delaware Vly BG Fest - Woodstown, NJ
- Aug 31 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival - Bruswick, ME
- Sep 7-8 Dollywood Celebrity Theatre - Pigeon Forge, TN
- Sep 13 Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival - Flagstaff, AZ
Del McCoury Band on the road with Vince Gill
The Del McCoury BandVince Gill is expanding his tour repertoire this summer by adding fellow Grammy-winners Amy Grant and the Del McCoury Band to his troupe. The 18-date circuit begins July 14 at Atlanta’s Chastain Park Amphitheatre and concludes Sept. 11 at Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
There are few better judges, or practitioners of bluegrass than Del McCoury. He first gained attention in the early 1960s as lead singer and guitarist for Bill Monroe’s fabled Blue Grass Boys band. In recent years, he has led his own band, aided by sons Ronnie and Rob. The Del McCoury Band, the most awarded artist in the history of Bluegrass, has nine times won the International Bluegrass Music Assn.’s Entertainer of the Year Award. In 2005, the bands CD, The Company We Keep, won the Best Bluegrass Album Grammy.
“Vince is like one of the boys. Great hair, great singer and a pretty good picker. Bluegrass has always been part of his life and it shows on stage.”Del McCoury
This year, Gill earned his 18th Grammy, this one for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, for “The Reason Why,” the debut single from “These Days”. He followed that song with his current single,”What You Give Away.”
Grant has been a vocal star since her teen years, starting in gospel and then expanding into pop music. Her pop hits include “The Next Time I Fall” (with Peter Cetera), “Baby Baby,” “Every Heartbeat” and “That’s What Love Is For.” Her gospel recordings have netted her six Grammys.
Both Grant and the Del McCoury Band were prominent players in the recording of “These Days”, making guest appearances on four of the tracks.
Vince Gill & Friends Tour w/ Del McCoury Band
8/29 Minnesota Fair Grounds - St Paul, MN
8/30 Aggie Theatre - Ft Collins, CO (DMB date only)
8/31 Deer Valley Amphitheater - Park City, UT
9/1 Casper Events Center - Casper, WY
9/2 Villages at Copper Mountain - Frisco, CO
9/5 Britt Pavilion - Medford, OR
9/6 Concerts At Wente Vineyard - Livermore, CA
9/7 Ironstone Amphitheatre - Murphys, CA
9/8 Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
9/9 Fantasy Springs Casino - Indio, CA
9/11 Santa Ana Star Center - Rio Ranche NM
