The Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of summertime, celebrated with friends and loved ones, rejoicing in the turn of cold winter months to basking in the sunshine. Cumberland, MD has laid claim to another traditional way of celebrating this time of year. The 7th annual DelFest music festival gives bluegrass lovers a chance to experience one of the top festivals in the country.

Taking place at the Allegheny Fairgrounds, along the Potomac River on the border of MD and WV, May 22-26th. DelFest is a bluegrass festival with artists of traditional to progressive styles of music. The festival has proven year after year to have increasingly stronger lineups, leaving festival goers with the sense that this year was the best year – only to have it get even better the next.

Set in the Appalachian Mountain region, where folklore of moonshining and bluegrass pickin was born. Its location hand-picked by Del McCoury himself. The layout of the festival is superb and well organized. Local and grassroots based artisans and food vendors fill the field. A second food court area nestled near the grassy campsites offers endless choices for vegan delights to county fair type fried foods. The mainstage is placed within the field area, a side stage is located a short walk away in a beautiful grassy area and the late nights are located indoors nearby, with tent camping spread throughout.

DELuxe ticket holders enjoy an expedited check in with separate plush camping sites, a private viewing area near the main stage with food and drinks; while the Show Sherpa tent hotel village is set in a semi-private area near the river. Multi-day passes include camping in several areas of the grounds in addition to family-camping.

The 7th annual DelFest lineup is sure to please any bluegrass lover, while also exposing festival goers to new music and new collaborations. The lineup has several bands who have attended most if not all of the previous DelFests. Bands like Yonder Mountain String Band and Railroad Earth have become mainstays at this festival, while artists like Bela Fleck and the Devil Makes Three have skipped a year and returned. New to the festival this year was the open artist submissions.

This festival continues to be a top contender in the family-friendly realm, with a shaded and comfortable family-camping area. A covered pavillion smack dab in the middle of the family camp – offering arts and crafts, games, and a puppet parade through the festival grounds. A safe and playful environment for the littlest of festival goers.

Most notably what sets this festival apart from so many others is the DelFest Academy which is held the week preceding the festival, May 18th-22nd. Here, music lovers and students of all levels can submerse themselves in hands on lessons from some of the most gifted members of the bluegrass music scene. Academy instructors for this year are – The Travelin McCourys, Cody Kilby, Leigh Gibson and Jesse Brock.

After last year’s headliner, Trey Anastasio festival goers may wonder how DelFest will top that experience and after appearing together on New Year’s Eve 2013, it was only natural to learn that this year’s headliners – String Cheese Incident would join the ever expanding family of artists that have graced the stage at DelFest. Also sure to knock your boots off will be headliner Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby – joining rock and traditional bluegrass with Kentucky Thunder.

The lineup for 2014 includes, The Del McCoury Band, String Cheese (2 sets), Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder, Yonder Mountain String Band featuring Jerry Douglas & John Frazier, Railroad Earth, Hot Rize featuring Red Knuckles & the Trailblazers, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, The Travelin’ McCourys featuring Jeff Austin, Greensky Bluegrass, Carolina Chocolate Drops, The Devil Makes Three, The Gibson Brothers, Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Cabinet, Jeff Austin Artist-at-large and many more! Check out the daily schedule and plan ahead.

Late Nights at DelFest are also tradition in their own right. With an intimate indoor area at the DelFest Music Hall, these crazy nights are fueled by 2 bands whom also have main stage appearances during the weekend. Late Night performances begin after music has ended on the Grandstand Stage. Doors open at Midnight and specific set times are TBA.  Admission is $25/show. Get your tickets in advance here.

Late Night Artists

Friday – Greensky Bluegrass & Cabinet

Saturday – Railroad Earth & Shook Twins

Sunday – Travelin’ McCourys Bluegrass Ball with The California Honeydrops

This year’s band submission winners are, The Barefoot Movement, Dead Horses, The Kitchen Dwellers, Liz Frame and the Kickers, Mo’Mojo, and Tuckahoe Ridge String Band. Look for these talented winners throughout the weekend on the Potomac Stage.

The Weather for the weekend looks to be calmer and cooler than in previous years so don’t forget to pack extra blankets and a warmer jacket as the nights can get chilly. Other items not to forget are kayaks and inner tubes for a lazy ride down the Potomac whilst listening to the music on the mainstage, rain gear, hammocks and bug spray.

This festival has landed on the map with its lineups and artist collaborations while also offering a family-friendly environment with excellent food and artisan vendors. Bluegrass lovers from all over the country look forward to this festival and its hometown feel each year and 2014 will prove to be just as memorable as the others. Tickets are available online or at the festival but we recommend you grab yours now if you already haven’t. See you on the dancefloor! #DelYeah

Written By: Kristen Mack-Perry

Photos By: Mark Loveless

*Check out Jams Plus’s DelFest 2013 coverage by Photographer Mark Loveless