Del McCoury is a name that needs no introduction in a lot of circles.  Around for over seven decades, the man with a million stories has continued to light up stages and rooms instantly.  There aren’t many eighty-plus-year-olds who are still crossing ‘first times’ off their lists, but then again, there aren’t many, or any arguably, that could ever even hold a candle to the light that shines as bright as his either.  Leave it to Del and his all-star band to put another very significant notch on their belt and be the first musicians ever to hold a five-night residency at The Barns at WolfTrap last week.   After quickly selling out three nights at The Barns last year, they decided to stay a little longer and create something a little special for this year's residency.

It was no easy fete mind you, because Mother Nature loves to keep the greater Washington area guessing, and after some snow fall, the fellas had a bit of a challenge ahead of them to get to where they needed to go.  Del, of course, shared the story with fans about being delayed a day and eventually getting on a plane only to have to go back to the gate because of mechanical problems, thinking that they might never get here.  After things being moved around and changed up a bit however, the band arrived and did nothing but shine, shine, shine in the infamous wooden barn.  Showing up about 10 minutes before they were to start night one, they didn’t even have time for soundcheck, which didn’t impede the perfection of the show a bit. 

Known and loved for his interaction with crowds and entertaining tales from a long life of travel, friends and music, Del was a perfect fit for this extraordinary event, a first for the historical venue.  Backed of course by a band that he consistently brags about, the pioneer bluegrass legend made sure to give credit where credit is most certainly due to sons Rob and Ronnie, Jason Carter and Alan Bartram collectively making up the Del McCoury Band.  A special treat and addition to the band for this run was another generation of musical talent as Ronnie’s son, Heaven McCoury delighted us onstage, playing guitar and showing why we still have so much to look forward to with the future of bluegrass.

The collective synchronicity of the band and how they share the stage is something awe worthy.  Each member of the troupe had an opportunity to shine and took a turn to step up and showcase their talent, entrancing the crowd.  Perhaps one of the arguably most enjoyable ways they share a stage is their unmistakable joy to be together and laugh at tales shared, sometimes with details that Del needs a little help to remember or clarify, to which he admits - with his loveable laugh - he couldn’t do without them. 

The invitation to perform so many nights treated ticket holders to songs that haven’t been played in years, decades, and in some cases never, in front of audiences.  Several times, Del made jokes about how he was pleasantly surprised with his ability to even remember some of the words, although charmingly had to get clarification on names of a few of the song titles from the band.  A smile that has always been contagious, voice that could never be duplicated and infectious giggle, heard countless times throughout the night, are only a few of the reasons the bluegrass legend has continued to grow over his lengthy career.

Always appearing in their Sunday best when stepping onstage, the final night of the run they seemed to shine extra bright as Del’s blazer caught the light and showed off the sparkle embellishments that seemed more than appropriate.  Thankful for an unforgettable event, night after night the band took the stage to fans already on their feet showing exactly why Del and his bandmates continue to be adored and welcomed to venues, festivals and hearts alike.  

We can only hope that Del McCoury and his band come back to The Barns next January in what we hope will be an annual winter residency at Wolf Trap.  For now our cup is full with five unique and exceptional performances by this this cherished band.