16th DelFest kicks off Thursday

May 19—CUMBERLAND — The 16th annual DelFest bluegrass and Americana music festival will get underway Thursday at 4:15 p.m. with a soundcheck by the Del McCoury Band.

Held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, the four-day festival features music from more than 30 acts on three stages.

The main Grandstand Stage is located inside the racing track where all performances will take place Thursday. The Music Hall Stage is located inside the multi-use building while the Potomac Stage is on the grounds beside the building.

The soundcheck set by McCoury has become known for its laid-back atmosphere as McCoury takes requests from the audience.

Some of the headliners for the four-day event include Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, who play at 4:45 p.m. Friday on the Grandstand Stage, followed by The Del McCoury Band and Greensky Bluegrass.

Saturday on the main stage is Shinyribs at 4 p.m., followed by Leftover Salmon and a performance by Lukas Nelson, son of Willie Nelson, who will perform with the Travelin McCoury's.

Sunday on the Grand Stand Stage will be Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble at 3:30 p.m., The Del McCoury Band at 5:30, Sierra Ferrell at 7:45 and Old Crowe Medicine Show closing the festival at 10 p.m.

Late-night shows are held on the indoor Music Hall Stage. The ticketed concerts begin at midnight, run to 3:30 a.m. and feature two bands each night.

DelFest features a wide variety of vendors both inside the track and outside on the festival grounds. Everything from food and beverages to jewelry, clothing, instruments and arts and crafts are available

The festival also features other activities such as a kids zone and yoga classes.

For tickets, visit the website DelFest.com.

Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.