Festival Season is here again and there’s no denying that the road back to Cumberland for DelFest was a long-awaited one. This delay seemed to only make the return of one of the country’s premier festivals to the Allegany Fairgrounds for musicians and fans alike, that much sweeter. As always, pickers and players had the chance to arrive early for the Academy portion of the festival, which is something that makes DelFest so unique and a draw for all levels of music lovers. This is where friendships and collaborations are made that would be heard and last throughout the weekend and hopefully beyond. 

As fans began to unload themselves on the campgrounds, Del held his soundcheck and seemed to be even happier than the crowd to be there. Noting that he didn’t remember ever seeing a Thursday this crowded, he joked that maybe they should take another three years off. The infectious smile and heartwarming giggle that host Del McCoury shared with the audience countless times, with what seemed like every musical act, reminded ticket buyers of why the festival is one that they will return to over and over again. The sense of community that is ever-present at stages, across the campground and amplified by welcoming activities like the kid's zone, is the icing on the cake to musical magic. Del also plays a welcoming host, always interacting with the audience, taking requests, telling stories, and sharing moments with people far and near to the stage. This is just another part of the festival that makes everyone in attendance seem like one collective group of friends getting together to share a holiday weekend and not just folks who paid to get in. 

Weather is always another very noticeable guest at the festival and it was ready to return this year in full force. Artists were often heard commenting on what got thrown our way. The ladies of Della Mae were one of the most excited to return to the festival it seemed, noting that the last time they were on the lineup, they were rained out and that this was essentially, their first time playing at the festival.

New music was something that several of the acts from the past weekend were eager to share and the words “we recorded some new music” or “we’ve got a new album coming out” were heard quite a few times from not only Del and Tyler Childers, but many more.

Tyler Childers was the much anticipated headlining guest of the final day, and you couldn’t deny the swell of fans that came on board for the Sunday sets eagerly awaiting the Kentucky native. Opening his set with ‘House Fire’ got everyone ready for a great performance as he dipped his toe into familiar hits like ‘Honkey Tonk Flame’, truly goosebump-worthy acoustic versions of ‘Nose to the Grindstone’, ‘Lady May’ and ‘Follow You to Virgie’. He talked to the audience often with his southernly gentlemanly demeanor telling tales of his struggles earlier in the week and even then a heartfelt tale of a song he learned when he was five years old. Being joined on stage by the main man himself, Del, who was clearly happy to have Tyler back at another DelFest, ‘Old Country Church’ brought smiles to all the faces onstage.

The wide range of talent that shows up at the festival year after year in Cumberland is made even more memorable by the shared stages, artists at large and guest appearances to already jaw-dropping talent. In addition to Del stepping out with everyone from The California Honeydrops to Sam Bush and Leftover Salmon, we were treated to special memories like Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull sharing space on the Potomac Stage, and Ronnie McCoury seeming to join just about every set there was, somehow still ‘keeping it cool’ as merch likes to poke fun at with him.

Ronnie was not the only member of Del McCoury's band that was having fun this weekend, Jason Carter also a member of The Del McCoury Band and The Travelin' McCourys was found sitting in on every stage and performance there was across the festivals. If Jason Carter wasn't onstage he could be found hanging out amongst the crowd enjoying the music taking place on stage.  Carter was not the only music fan enjoying the entertainment within the confines of the crowd. At almost stage, an artist would take to the stage for an unexpected but satisfying sit-in or would be spotted inconspicuously enjoying the rip-roaring music taking place on stage or giving a subtle wind or gesture to their friends on the stage. DelFest is where music lovers and musicians alike spent four days with endless music and moments that we had all spent the last few years pining away for.

What makes DelFest so truly special and memorable for people of all ages that come to the festival.  If you ask a hundred people at DelFest you would certainly hear about a thousand different moments that occurred on the stages and throughout the campground.  While we were privileged to witness some of these precious moments, we listened to thousands of stories with reverence, awe, envy, and shared joy.  

Perhaps the best memories that we take away from DelFest are the intangible moments that cannot be planned or bought - floats down the Potomac River to cool off,  a couple getting engaged during Cabinet's performance, a children's parade through the campgrounds, a handwritten setlist handed to you from a stage, campground jam sessions, shared meals and beverages ranging from grilled cheese, pot lucks, or the best Gumbo you have ever had.

No one ever wants to leave a festival, but it’s impossible to leave DelFest without having gained experiences and friends that will last for a long time to come. Until next Memorial Day weekend when we all return to the beautiful Appalachia Region to sing, dance and give each other Delbows once again, take good care y’all!  We leave you with The California Honeydrops performing "Ripple" by The Grateful Dead.  While we remember a great weekend of bluegrass, we want to embrace that spontaneous joy that overflowed out of every corner of DelFest from the wee hours of the morning to the twilight of the evening.

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they're better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air

We cannot wait to see you at DelFest again and rest assured we will be bringing you ticket and lineup updates on DelFest '15.  Be sure to check out DelFest.com and their Instagram Account regularly for updates.