Delfest 2012: Thursday & Friday

Cumberland, Maryland
May 24th – 27th
Words & Photos by Jon Irvin
-Thursday May 24th-
As we pulled into the grounds of the Allegany County Fairgrounds, I could tell this year's Delfest would be something special. The hustle and bustle was in full force and it was a good thing we decided to leave early, for it being the first day, the grounds were already filled farther than the eye could see. Fortunately for us, the same camping spot that we had last year in the Kids Zone was still void of any tents. My original plan was to get unpacked and set up before the weekend truly kicked off with a nightcap of Devil Makes Three and Railroad Earth. Unfortunately, it took a little longer than expected and I could only catch the last few minutes of Devil Makes Three as we walked to the venue. This was one of the bands I looked forward to catching live and I was a tad disappointed that they would be only playing one set at Delfest.
Railroad Earth Live at DelFest Allegany County Fairgrounds on May 24, 2012.
Once again, Delfest was emceed by Joe Craven who clued us that this years festival would be a five star affair not to be forgotten. Railroad Earth has a better than average following and their fans where in full force filling the grounds more than I expected. The first recognizable cheer from the aforementioned crowd hit as ‘Walk Beside Me’ began which was followed by in my opinion some of the best Railroad Earth I have ever heard with a nice thirty minute block of delight that consisted of “Carry Coal to Newcastle” > “Mighty River” > “Like a Buddha.” Railroad Earth was the perfect ending to Thursday and gave the audience a glimpse of the great grass that the weekend had in store for us.
-Friday May 25th-

The music for us started early Friday morning with a trip to see 2011's band competition winners, the Mon River Ramblers. I distinctly remember them from last year because of their cover of “Sweet Child of Mine” and they failed to disappoint again

Hailing from Kansas, Split Lip Rayfield brings a total different sound to the bluegrass family. They play a style that can only be coined as thrash-grass as you’re left in awe as they play with such intensity. A Split Lip show is almost a perfect mix of heavy metal and bluegrass especially on “The High-Price of Necromancy.” Now back to the coolest thing I saw all weekend; the homemade gas can bass played by Jeff Eaton. Simply put, he played the shit out of that thing.



I’m glad Yonder Mountain scheduled Delfest before Summer Camp this year, because last year the travel seemed to have taken its toll by Sunday night. This year they were well rested and it showed. Jeff Austin and the rest of

Yonder Mountain String Band Live at Allegany County Fairgrounds on May 25, 2012.
I took a stroll for some late night snacks and found myself inside the Del Music Hall to catch a few songs from Greensky Bluegrass. Now I knew I couldn’t stay up to catch most of the late night sets but I wanted to tease myself with a little from the boys from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I’m glad I did as their cover of the String Cheese Incidents “Can’t Stop” assured me that their Saturday morning set was one not to be missed.
www.delfest.com
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