I got to Cumberland, Md around 11AM Thursday morning. I turned at Shooters Bar and Grill and headed down Moss Avenue, which dead ends at the Allegheny County Fairgrounds, I knew this Memorial Day weekend would be something great. In front of me was a site to behold crossing the RR tracks into the fairgrounds, tents and campers everywhere music themed posters, signage, people walking around with instruments, area for yoga class roped off and the rock face of the mountain ahead staring me down that later this week will adorn illuminated images. Everything looked to be perfect. This is DelFest. This trek I have made annually for 14 of the 16 dates, not counting the 2 missing Covid years. 

My reasoning for getting there early on Thursday before the 4 o’clock stage time for the Del McCoury Band that they always use as a “sound check”, is film makers from Frostburg State College were going to screen the documentary “Sweet Appalachia”.  This documentary was filmed over the years, explaining the origins of DelFest and the many different people who had an influence on the festival. I would recommend everyone to see it when it is available.

An outstanding part of Delfest aside from the accomplished bands has to be the many great friends I have made over the years. Some of which I only see one time a year and this is the place! Throughout the weekend many performances were enjoyed, way too many to list. I was in awe of a few new bands for me The Sweet Lillies, Sister Sadie, Shinyribs and Lucas Nelson backed up by The Traveling McCoury’s, they were awesome. These along with my other fav’s Marty Stuart, East Nashville Grass, Sierra Farrell who also did an awesome rendition of the Adele song Someone Like You w/ Lucas Nelson, Greensky Bluegrass, Daniel Donato and of course Del McCoury Band. This year‘s fest boasted of near perfect weather with a continuous family friendly vibe and I continue to hear everyone say it was their happy place.

So my friends for another year, DelFest has wrapped up and all we can do is look forward to the next festival, the next show. Until DelFest  is here to create magic again next year I hope to see you all again soon.