Billy Strings Teams With The Del McCoury Band At Whimmydiddle Festival

The Del McCoury Band was joined by guitarist Billy Strings on Friday night at the Whimmydiddle Country Music Festival. The collaboration featuring multiple generations of bluegrass musicians took place as part of the event held at Riversedge Amphithteater in Hamilton, Ohio.

William Apostol, aka Billy Strings emerged towards the middle of the Del McCoury Band’s headlining set at Whimmydiddle. Strings took the stage with his band for a performance just before Del and company closed out the action on Friday. Mandolinist Ronnie McCoury sat-in with Billy and his band on Strings’ “Hollow Heart” as well as Bill Monroe’s “Bluegrass Breakdown.”

The Del McCoury Band ended the first of two days of this year’s Whimmydiddle with a 22-song performance. Strings came out to lend a hand on a pair of bluegrass classics. First, Billy led the Del McCoury Band on a cover of The Stanley Brothers’ “The Lonely River.” Then, Del and Strings dueted on Bill Monroe’s “Can’t You Hear Me Calling.” Del had kind words for Billy as he told the crowd, “Whew, now I’ll tell you he’s a hot one ain’t he? Boy he’s shooting right on up there, he’s a star!”

Here’s audio of the entire set and video of Billy’s guest appearances:

The Lonesome River Captured by Sue Bertke

Can’t You Hear Me Callin’ Captured by Sue Bertke

Full Show Audio Uploaded by MyJibboo

Setlist

Set: Travelin’ Teardrop Blues, Bluest Man In Town, Hillcrest Drive, Hard On My Heart, The 5 String Flamethrower, Nashville Cats, Back Up & Push, Teardrops In My Eye, That Ol’ Train, Eli Renfro, 1952 Vincent Black Lightning, The Lonesome River*, Can’t You Hear Me Callin’*, Beauty Of My Dreams, To Make Love Sweeter For You – Loggin’ Man, I Feel The Blues Movin’ In, Gone But Not Forgotten, Don’t Stop The Music, Hotwire, All Aboard, It’s Just The Night, Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad