Del McCoury Band

A Grammy award winning bluegrass band therefore this band need no other introduction: Del McCoury Band.

Although the average age of the band is probably 60, Del McCoury band will get you moving in no time at all. They've been attracting crowds of all ages from 1992 with their undisputable debut 'Blue Side of Town.' 12 albums later and the band are still producing fantastic recordings and performing greatly to religious bluegrass fans. Attracting the masses in the US, Del McCoury band are the Godfathers of blues music. Violins, banjos, double basses, guitars, harmonies- this string serenading of blues music will lift you off your feet and you'll be floating in the sky effortlessly.

Just saw them at ROMP FEST in Owensboro, KY. Incredible show!!! They might very well be the best contemporary bluegrass band in the country, and the best progressive bluegrass band in the country. We have been following them for years, and they just keep getting better and better. All five members are award-winning players who are total masters on their instruments.

A performance by Alison Krauss & Union Station is perhaps the quintessential representation of how to successfully blend country music with traditional bluegrass music in its purest form. Having been a band for nearly twenty-five years, Alison Krauss & Union Station have proven that they have perfected their craft in engaging the audience with their entrancing music making. The band’s unique chemistry is their strong suit. Alison Krauss acts as the captivating leader of the band soothing the soul of the audience with her angelic voice while the rest of the band enhances her performance with their tight knit performance, playing their instruments with impeccable precision. Each member is unique in their own way and all have had laudable careers apart from the Union Station. Alison Krauss has been well recognized within the music industry for her work already having won 27 Grammy awards, while guitar/mandolin player, Dan Tyminski, has been respected for his rendition of the classic, “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow”, which appeared in the Cohen Brother’s film, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?.
Alison Krauss & Union Station is currently on tour with country music legend, Willie Nelson. This is just one of the many legends that Alison Krauss has had the opportunity to perform with on stage. Others include a diverse range of people such as Robert Plant and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. This reinforces the notion that not only is Allison Krauss respected by her audience as a captivating performer, but she is also highly regarded by various musical legends as a versed musician that can adapt to numerous styles of music.
The different styles of music that Alison Krauss is able to adapt and perform is well represented in her current setlists, which include many songs that span across her career as well as covers ranging from artists such as Paul Simon, Chick Corea, and Avicii. Alison Krauss & Union Station’s amalgamation of different instruments and styles of music is bound to ensure an exuberant treat for those that witness the band’s performance live.

Blackberry Smoke I’m assuming aren’t talking about the Blackberry phones with their name surely? Nope. They bring to the table a very distinct southern rock with the grittiest vocals and guitar sound. Their music is so catchy, this whole atmosphere feels like a party, with maybe four thousand people watching them, all of which are dancing and singing along, with at least one drink in their hands. I’ve got to give it to this band, they just know exactly what they’re doing with the tightest sound and some of the most soulful lead breaks from the both guitarists and keyboard players.
It almost feels like a country and western musical with the variety of songs that they play despite all being that of a country vibe. Some personal highlights for me this evening are songs such as “Shakin Hands with The Holy Ghost”, and “One Horse Town” every song being as good as the last.

I first met Marty in 1973. He was my first kiss, my first love,1973-1977. Forever in my heart. We used to talk on the phone for hours between the times we could be together. LOL, We were not old enough to drive yet! Our relationship was so sweet and unforgettable. He wasn't yet famous. He was such a gentleman. I still have the rose he gave me Feb. 12, 1976 in Fredericktown, Missouri when he told me he loved me! Our long distance romance was heartwrenching for both of us. He ended up telling me his life on the road made a commitment impossible. Broke my heart I couldnt bear trying to go to his shows after that. Finally, I saw him in the early 1990's at the Washington, Missouri Fair. Before I could even approach him, I had to sit in a vacant set of chairs so he could see if he knew me. Of course he recognized me and came out of his bus with open arms, and said "where have you been the past 20 years?". My heart was filled once more! How I wish we had never lost touch. I have never found another love because Marty still holds my heart. He always will. I'm starting a new chapter in my life right now, and all these memories keep filling my dreams. I lost the only true Love of my life, and I will love Marty until the day I die.

It’s crazy to think that the Punch Brothers got together one night to have a few drinks and a catch up after meeting a few days previously for a jam night. Talk began about a band…and look where the guys have got to today! Going from strength to strength since their formation in 2006, the band now have 4 studio albums and a whole host of singles.
Something that becomes more noticeable in a live performance, is the individual calibre of each musician. They could work independently and create hit tracks, yet when they combine their forces, even more incredible music is created. It becomes obvious when they play together that they are working off of each other, listening to the movement of the melody, and jamming along together.
The night went from strength to strength with the older tracks morphing into the newer ones, constantly providing something for the audience to sing, dance, and jive along to. Not a seat in the house was sat on, everyone was on their feel applauding the fantastic musicianship we witnessed. One not to miss!

The Stringdusters were great. Much better than when I saw them at DelFest last year which was during the day after what I heard was a great late night set the previous night. Just thought they lacked energy and didn't play their best songs. It was different at the State Theater where they did a great set.

I feel a little differently about the venue however as the acoustics for vocals are not great and the din from the many (certainly not all) people who carried on normal conversations throughout detracted from the music.

All in all, still a good night.

Great performance by Ms. Hull and her trio. Very personable and amiable stage presence, but very much about the music with her virtuosity on her instrument clearly on display. Very competent reliance on Justin Moses mostly on banjo, who has shared her side so frequently through her decade of development. And the interplay between Sierra and latest collaborator Ethan is something special to experience. Beyond the mesmerizing torrent of notes in her exciting runs, together they showcase her maturation to a unique style within her genre. "Weighted Mind" should be an award winner in 2016 - Grammies and CMA. But don't take my word for it, Alison Krauss and Bela Fleck are solid influences already in her corner.
Buy the album and go "hang out" with her trio when they comes to your town.

Gaelic Storm has mastered the art of evoking the traditionalism of Irish folk music and balancing it with the primitive sparse sound of rising folk artists such as Monsters of Men and Mumford and Sons.
Though their sound is straightforward and instantly relatable there are many interesting complexities that build it up. They use very basic chord progressions, but dress up this structure with a large conglomerate of instruments. The expected instruments such as guitars, vocals and bass provide the framework for their music; however, they lavish their sound with cheerful splashes of melody from varying and obscure instruments like the penny whistle, violin and bagpipes. They use a unique assortment of stringed instruments as well as such variations of mandolins and acoustic guitars and even a Greek guitar-like instrument called a Bouzouki. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of their sound is their rich percussive undertone. Percussionists, Patrick Murphy and Ryan Lacey, use a plethora of drum instruments from all around the world. They use everything from spoons to the Brazilian Samba to the appropriately selected Irish frame drum, the Bodhran. The rhythmically timed plucks of the string instruments work masterfully with the percussion and strongly emphasize the beat of the song. The forceful sway of their music does nothing but urge the audience to dance along and this is exactly what you will find if you attend a Gaelic Storm concert.
Though the group hails from Santa Monica, California, their sound is as Celtic as imaginable. Not only is their sound enlivening, their lyrics for songs as evident in tracks like “The Night I Punched Russell Crowe” are absurdly hilarious and add immensely to the fun tone of their shows.