Photo Credit: DelFest/ Liz Pappas

Yesterday, Thursday, May 23, DelFest commenced its multi-day gathering at Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Md. Situated two and a half hours outside of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, the event began with a late afternoon festival opening with a Sound Check set from namesakes, Del McCoury Band, preluding the first proper set of music provided by East Nash Grass. 

Initial sets clocked in at an hour and extended as the evening progressed, with Yonder Mountain String Band’s frame hitting the hour and thirty-minute mark, a choice that was replicated by the ensuing festival feature, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. On day one of the event, the initial musical deliveries saw bluegrass troubadour Del McCoury sit in with his guests, including a stunning interpretation of Earl Scruggs and Flatt & Scruggs’ “Roll in My Sweet Baby’s Arms” with Donato. 

As night turned to early morning, music continued, including an appearance from the Dirty Grass Players at 12:15 a.m. The final performance took the night’s offerings to the 3:30 a.m. mark with a final helping of tunes led by folk-leaning artist John Craigie. 

Music resumes today with more performances from The Sweet Lillies, Sam Grisman Project, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Greensky Bluegrass, Leftover Salmon and more. 

Stills shared via DelFest photographers Liz Pappas, Taylor Lewis, Sam Watson, Heidi Holloway and Gary Jared.