Memorial Day Weekend Fest Preview

DelFest | Cumberland, MD

DelFest is a string band mecca sporting three sets from hosts the Del McCoury Band. This year's DelFest happens May 27-30 in Cumberland, MD, and includes performances from Yonder and The Avett Brothers (they do get around), Railroad Earth and many more. There's tremendous overlap and bounteous collaboration at this festival, which somehow takes the spirit of back porch jamming and gives it flair and style without losing the essential hominess. Here's some acts worth putting on your dance card at DelFest this year.

1. Uncle Earl :: Friday :: 6:15-7:30 pm :: Grandstand Stage
These crazy talented ladies haven't been out live much lately, so one should enjoy them whenever they can. What's wonderful about Uncle Earl is how they stitch together so many different threads from string music past and present. There's a timeless vibe to their originals and their interplay is pretty spectacular in general. Uncle Earl also performs on Saturday at DelFest on the Potomac Stage from 12:45-1:45 pm. For more on Uncle Earl, peep the JamBase feature centered around their last studio release.

2. Dave Rawlings Machine :: Sunday :: 10:15-11:55 pm :: Grandstand Stage
Though he's often the only one standing next to Gillian Welch, Rawlings is often overshadowed by his longtime partner in crime. She is pretty compelling but so is this hyper-gifted multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. The longer the Rawlings Machine trundles along in recent years, the more fascinating it becomes, both in his own compositions and inspired cover choices.

3. Trampled By Turtles :: Saturday :: 5:15-6:15 pm :: Potomac Stage
Singer-guitarist Dave Simonett writes some of the most enduring, resonant songs coming out of any contemporary string band, and he and the rest of the Turtles breath fire live, stirring up a ruckus that seems nigh impossible for guys seated onstage. They've also got a tender side that's genuinely stirring. Young and possessed with a real drive to show the world what they've got, TBT has all the makings of a future headliner at fests like Del's and Northwest String Summit. See 'em now so you can tell your kids about it when they're famous. TBT also plays a special Friday Late Night set at 12:15 am - 1:15 am in Delfest Music Hall.