Review by Dan Rozman
Photos by Mark Raker
DelFest 2024 was a spectacular celebration of music, community, and the enduring spirit of bluegrass and Americana. The festival brought together an incredible array of talent, spanning generations and genres, creating unforgettable moments of musical collaboration and camaraderie. Every year fans find new favorite artists at DelFest.
At the heart of DelFest was the McCoury family, with Del McCoury and his sons Ronnie and Rob and their families leading the charge. The Del McCoury Band and the Travelin’ McCourys delivered performances that left audiences spellbound, showcasing their virtuosic musicianship and deep respect for the bluegrass tradition. Again this year, the festival witnessed a truly special moment as three generations of McCourys graced the stage together, with Del’s grandson Vassar joining the ensemble, exemplifying the passing of the torch to the next generation.
The musical highlights were numerous and diverse, with standout performances from headliners like Greensky Bluegrass, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Leftover Salmon. Greensky Bluegrass kicked off their set with a high-energy “Demons” → “What You Need” opener, before delving into tracks from their upcoming album recorded in Iceland. The highlight came when Ronnie McCoury joined them for a fiery mandolin duel on “Burn Them,” and Del McCoury joined in for an inspiring rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”.
Leftover Salmon’s late-night performance in the Music Hall was a true collaboration, with guests including Jason Carter on fiddle, Darol Anger on fiddle, Ronnie McCoury on mandolin, and Heaven McCoury on guitar. Their Saturday evening set on the Grandstand stage was equally impressive, with appearances by Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, Oliver Craven, and the horn section from Shinyribs.
Speaking of Shinyribs, their swampy funk sound on the Grandstand stage transported audiences to the bayous of Louisiana, showcasing the festival’s diversity and willingness to embrace different musical styles.
One highly anticipated performance came from Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, who made their DelFest debut fresh off their appearance on CBS Sunday Morning. Donato and his band lived up to the hype, earning their “Nashville’s New Guitar Hero” moniker from Rolling Stone. They were joined by Del, Robbie, Ronnie, and Heaven McCoury for renditions of “Banks Of The Ohio” and “Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms,” showcasing the collaborative spirit that permeated the festival.
The DelFest Academy, a weeklong immersive experience for aspiring musicians, continued to nurture the next generation of talent. Chris Bell, a participant from Denver, Colorado, shared, “You don’t want to miss hanging out with the McCourys, working with Cody Kilby and Heaven McCoury as my instructors, and learning a couple of licks. This was an incredible week for me filled with great times, great music, and great people.
Beyond the music, DelFest exemplified the power of community and connection. The festival paid emotional tributes to Meghan Lewis, a victim of senseless violence, and Roy Carter, the founder of the High Sierra Music Festival, who played a pivotal role in establishing DelFest’s current location. The gospel set, led by Dré Anders and featuring Del, Ronnie, Alan Bartram, and Jason Carter, honored both individuals with moving renditions, including a cover of Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”
The festival’s charitable efforts were also highlighted, with Del’s Army, co-founded by Darren Jones, having raised over $20,000 and donated 10 tons of food to the Western Maryland Food Bank since 2011. This year’s food drive was dedicated to the late Roy Carter, a testament to the festival’s commitment to giving back to the local community.
DelFest 2024 struck a perfect balance between returning favorites and exciting new acts. Longtime attendees like Robin Paulman, a Cumberland local who has been to every DelFest since the beginning, shared their joy at being in their “happy place.” At the same time, newcomers like The Wilson Springs Hotel and Megan Jean’s Secret Family brought fresh energy and perspectives to the festival.
As the sun set on another memorable DelFest, the Travelin’ McCourys took the stage for the traditional final late-night show, a multigenerational celebration that encapsulated the festival’s spirit. With family members of all ages packed onto the Music Hall stage, they shared songs from their award-winning self-titled album, new works in progress, and grandiose covers like the Grateful Dead’s “Loser” and “Bird Song.”
DelFest 2024 was a triumph, a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together, transcend boundaries, and create lasting connections. As musician Eddie Lightner, who announced the release of his first album Notes of Life, whose first track is a song about DelFest, eloquently stated, “DelFest is like an amoeba of good-hearted people that work together to make this world a better place. The jams are incredible! Everyone works as a cohesive organism.” It was a weekend that will live on in the hearts and memories of all who attended, a celebration of the rich tapestry of American roots music and the communities that sustain it.
Bands that played at DelFest 2024:
The Del McCoury Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, Lukas Nelson With The Travelin’ Mccourys, Greensky Bluegrass, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sierra Ferrell, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Leftover Salmon, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Don Was And The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, Yonder Mountain String Band, Shinyribs, John Craigie, The Brothers Comatose, Sam Grisman Project, Davisson Brothers Band, Larry Keel Experience, Sister Sadie, Mountain Grass Unit, Mr Sun, East Nash Grass, The Sweet Lillies, Big Richard Band, Dre Anders Music, Jigjam, Joe Mullins And The Radio Ramblers, Kenny And Amanda Smith, The Broomestix, The Dirty Grass Players, Sweet Sally, Armchair Boogie, Megan Jean’s Secret Family, The Wilson Springs Hotel, Colebrook Road, Wood Belly
