THROUGH THE LENS: DelFest 2024 — A Bluegrass Tradition Continues to Thrive

Named for and presided over by the legend himself — Del McCoury — DelFest, first held in 2008, takes over Cumberland, Maryland, during Memorial Day weekend each year. While the festival prides itself on carrying on the McCoury family bluegrass tradition, it also casts a wider net of musical influences that includes folk, Americana, soul, and gospel styles, signaling bluegrass’ openness to evolution and diversity. Bluegrass itself, after all, was the result of an evolutionary process, which caused some consternation at the time but has proved to have enduring appeal.

I first attended DelFest in its second year, 2009, which saw a wicked storm tear into the campground late one afternoon, ripping up tents left and right. Many of those tents soon became landfill garbage, but I was lucky: Though my tent was waterlogged and my belongings thrashed, one peg had held firm.

But that was then, and in the years since, DelFest has seen a substantial increase in the number of both performers and fans, and way better weather. ND contributing photographer Rob Laughter was there to report on this year’s edition (May 23-26, 2024), as was my hometown pal Chris Morris, who also shares some photos with us.

DelFest 2024 by Rob Laughter

As my family and I drove through the gates of the Allegany County Fairgrounds for our third DelFest, seeing the majestic cliffs of West Virginia’s Knobley Mountain just across the river felt like a homecoming. DelFest is more than just music, it’s a vibrant community. From morning yoga sessions to late-night jams, there’s always something to do.

The Music 

For decades, the McCoury family has carried the torch for bluegrass music. As per tradition, this year’s festival kicked off with the Del McCoury Band’s beloved Thursday soundcheck set. Blending the band’s extraordinary musical talent with Del’s characteristic charm and wit makes for a fan favorite and sets the tone for the weekend.

This year’s lineup included an exciting blend of established acts and rising stars, showcasing the depth and diversity of the genre. Friday night’s headliner, Greensky Bluegrass, brought their signature blend of high-energy jamming to the Grandstand Stage. Known for their impressive lighting design, the band showed the crowd that adding laser beams that dance in your eyeballs adds an extra dimension to the bluegrass experience.

Emerging artists made their mark as well. East Nash Grass, an up-and-coming supergroup from East Nashville, delivered stellar sets on Thursday and Friday. The band’s performances were a testament to the even brighter future of bluegrass. Jerry Douglas has praised the group, saying, “Out of the Wilds of East Nashville came this band of ringers, each of them playing in National high profile Bluegrass bands. The sound they make when they play together rivals that of any of their main gigs.”

One of the most poignant moments of the festival came during Lukas Nelson’s Saturday evening set with the Travelin’ McCourys. The performance was incredible from the start, but it reached new heights when Sierra Ferrell joined them as a surprise guest. Together, they performed a powerful rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” which can be viewed here. It left many in the audience in tears. 

Sunday morning’s gospel set, hosted by Dré Anders, featured all-stars such as Del and Ronnie McCoury and Kenny and Amanda Smith and provided a spiritually uplifting start to the fest’s last day as the gospel melodies filled the air.

The all-female, three-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year award winner Sister Sadie delivered a standout performance that showcased the immense talent of women in bluegrass. Ferrell, a festival circuit favorite, returned to the lineup for a second year, captivating the crowd with her one-of-a-kind talent, charm, and humility during her Sunday evening Grandstand Stage set. Old Crow Medicine Show closed out the festival with a high-energy performance that had the audience singing, clapping, and dancing from start to finish.

Even as other fests have tended to end their evening sets before midnight, DelFest offers late-night jams in the Music Hall that go on until 3:30 a.m. This year’s night owls were treated to sets by Leftover Salmon, Armchair Boogie, The Travelin’ McCourys, and Old Crow Medicine Show.

Other Highlights 

As vibrant as the music is, DelFest offers so much more, including yoga, handmade crafts, and the iconic river float, which is always a highlight for many. Folks put anything that can float — from tubes to party floats to air mattresses — into the North Branch Potomac that drifts past the festival grounds on one side and the sheer mountain cliffs on the other and relaxed as music reverberated off those cliffs.

With incredible weather for most of the weekend, the kids area, always a highlight for our family, ensured that even the youngest attendees were entertained. As a father of three girls, I am continually impressed by the dedication of the volunteers who make DelFest an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.

Camping is another highlight. While it can be a bane at other fests, DelFest offers options that range from tent and car camping to deluxe RV and glamping on the ball field.

All in all, whether relaxing in a hammock or floating down the Potomac River, music washes over the festival grounds, creating a seamless festival experience wherever you’d like to enjoy it. I’m already counting down the days until we can return and do it again.

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.