DelFest Celebrates 16 Years Amid Weather Challenges and Star Performances

CUMBERLAND, Maryland — The 16th annual DelFest, a key event for bluegrass fans, took place over Memorial Day weekend at the Allegheny County Fairgrounds. Known for its stunning mountain scenery and a scenic river, DelFest has established itself as a notable alternative to larger festivals like MerleFest and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of over 20 artists on three stages, with performances spanning bluegrass, jam-grass, country, and Americana genres. The event, curated by the McCoury family, faced challenges from colder weather and rain on Thursday and Friday. However, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures greeted fans on Saturday and Sunday.

Despite rising river levels making tubing impossible, festival-goers enjoyed music, camping, and a variety of food and craft vendors. Notable performances included jam-grass favorites Railroad Earth and Leftover Salmon, with the latter debuting selections from their new album, “Let’s Party.”

Tyminski, known for his captivating traditional bluegrass vocals, delivered a standout performance, captivating the crowd with heartfelt songs, including “Carry Me Across the Mountain,” inspired by the life of musician Hazel Dickens. Sister Sadie, an all-female bluegrass band from Nashville, impressed with their intricate instrumentals and a memorable cover of Eddy Arnold‘s “Make the World Go Away.”

Sierra Ferrell drew the largest crowd of the weekend, expertly blending folk and honky-tonk styles, and her confident stage presence solidified her status as a rising star within the genre. Larkin Poe showcased their evolution from acoustic Americana to a more aggressive Southern rock sound, engaging fans with their dynamic performances.

Darrell Scott, acclaimed for his songwriting and previous work with country legends, performed songs that resonate with the Appalachian experience, while Tim O'Brien brought his own mastery of old-time fiddle tunes.

Young talents also shined at the festival, including 16-year-old mandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis, who performed alongside Ronnie McCoury, and the Grammy-winning band The SteelDrivers, featuring new frontman Matt Dame. In a memorable set, the legendary Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel delivered classics that uplifted the audience.

Del McCoury, now 86, captivated attendees with several performances throughout the weekend, demonstrating his enduring appeal and musical authenticity. His closing performance was a moment highlighted by family, as several grandsons joined him on stage, celebrating the generational legacy of the McCoury family.

This year’s DelFest not only showcased a variety of musical talent but also reaffirmed the festival’s place as a staple of bluegrass culture, drawing a diverse community of music lovers together in a shared celebration of sound.