Del and Dierks rehearsing for DelFest

May 15th, 2008 | Category: Festival News

The Del McCoury Band rehearses with Dierks Bentley for their performance at Delfest happening May 23- 25 in Cumberland, MD.

The Del McCoury Band has posted video on the Delfest site of Dierks Bentley rehearsing his hit single “Lot of Leavin’ Left To Do” with Del and the boys in anticipation of their performance together at the 1st annual Delfest.

The festival, promoted by High Sierra Music and McCoury Music, takes place over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, in Cumberland, MD at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.

The inaugural lineup features the aforementioned Dierks Bentley along with Vince Gill, Sam Bush, David Grisman, The Punch Brothers and Steep Canyon rangers along with a whole list of others.

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Enter to Win DelFest tickets !!!

April 25th, 2008 | Category: Bluegrass News

Win Tickets To Delfest on BluegrassJournal.com

UPDATE 4: We Have Our DelFest Winners !!!

BluegrassJournal.com, along with DelFest, McCoury Music and High Sierra Music, would like to congratulate the 2 winners of our DelFest ticket giveaway. Each winner will receive 2 festival passes and camping for the historic 1st annual DelFest that takes place in Cumberland, MD May 23-25, 2008.

The winners are Jayme Blume of Newark, MD and Jason Birkey of Hopedale, IL.

Both DelFest Ticket Giveaway winners sounded very excited to be going to DelFest when we called to let them know the good news. Jayme and Jason each said they would send some pictures from DelFest after the festival.

BluegrassJournal.com would like to thank DelFest, McCoury Music and High Sierra Music for allowing us to be a part of this special event.UPDATE 3 Drawing is closed. No more entries accepted. Winners will be announced shortly !

UPDATE 2 And the winners will be ???

Unfortunate as it is for our first winner. Shane O’donnell. will not be able to attend so, BluegrassJournal.com will be drawing  2 lucky winners for DelFest festival passes in less than  2 hours.

UPDATE: And the winner is… 

We drew for the 1st pair of festival passes to DelFest at 5:00 PM Central time today, May 2.

The whole staff here at BluegrassJournal.com would like to congratulate Shane O’Donnell whose name was drawn out of the hat of entries.

Make sure and get your entries in for the drawing for the last pair of tickets to DelFest which will be drawn on Friday, May 9, 2008. See below for more information on entering.


Are you ready to kick off the Summer season right?Are you itchin’ to go to a bluegrass festival?Are you ready to be a part of Bluegrass History as Del McCoury celebrates 50 years in Bluegrass?Here’s your chance to be a part of the 1st Annual DelFest in Cumberland, MD May 23-25, 2008.BluegrassJournal.com, in conjunction with DelFest, McCoury Music and High Sierra Music, which is helping to promote McCoury’s festival., is giving away free festival tickets to Del McCoury’s first annual bluegrass festival, aptly named DelFest.The editors at BluegrassJournal.com are offering two pairs of tickets, which will be given away to subscribers of the Web site. And subscribing to BluegrassJournal.com is free — and easy, requiring only a username of your choosing and a valid email address.

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McCoury putting together his first DelFest and he needs your help

April 23rd, 2008 | Category: Festival News

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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Del McCoury announces finalized lineup for 1st annual DelFest bluegrass and music festival

April 04th, 2008 | Category: Festival News

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.

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McCoury Music and Sierra Music present first annual “Delfest”

February 27th, 2008 | Category: Festival News
Del McCoury BandDel McCoury Band

Bluegrass 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
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