In the world of bluegrass music, there is only one 'Del.' - Del McCoury and he is the definition of a true patriarch and ambassador of bluegrass music, his name synonymous with bluegrass music.
Even among the pantheon of music's finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. From the nascent sound of bluegrass that charmed hardscrabble hillbilly honkytonks, rural schoolhouse stages and the crowning glory of the Grand Ole Opry, to the present-day culture-buzz of viral videos and digital streams, Del is the living link and has maintained a legacy like few others.
To put it in modern terms, "Del is the OG of Bluegrass," whose life is intertwined with the very essence and beginnings of the music genre itself. Being hired to perform rhythm guitar for Bill Monroe, who is considered the father of bluegrass himself, in 1963 is what helped shape Del into who he is today. Monroe moved him from the banjo to guitar and anointed him lead singer, providing him with a priceless trove of bluegrass tutelage direct from the source.
"We don't have a setlist," says Del. "We try and work in the new songs, but a lot of times it's just requests from the audience. It's more interesting for the band, for me, and for the audience because nobody knows what's coming next."
Del McCoury // On His Performacnes
Today Del McCoury tours with his band, The Del McCoury Band, which includes Del's sons Ronnie McCoury (mandolin) and Rob McCoury (banjo), as well as Alan Bartram (bass), and four-time International Bluegrass Music Association Fiddler of the year Jason Carter (fiddle).
If you are looking for the quintessence of bluegrass music, this is the man that needs to be at the top of your list. Attendees come for the incredible music of Del and his band, but also fall in love with his infectious laugh as he captivates us with stories from the road.
Del puts the 'Del' in DelFest, DelYeah, and DelBows and is the driving force behind his namesake festival held each Memorial Day in Cumberland, Maryland. So while we all look forward to spending another weekend with the McCourys and The Del McCoury Band, we can also gather in the intimate Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, on January 18th, 19th, and 20th in the meantime to get our Del McCoury fix.
The Del McCoury Band: Tiny Desk Concert (Courtesy of Tiny Desk Concert)
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Performance Details
Performance Details
Performance
Details
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Show: 8:00 PM
$47-57 - Seated Performance
Friday, January 20, 2023
Show: 8:00 PM
$47-57 - Seated Performance
Saturday, January 21, 2023
Show: 8:00 PM
$47-57 - Seated Performance
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional
Resources
To learn more about The Del McCoury Band
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