Fittingly, for one evening, a cluster of stars were hosted on the Saranac Brewery Summer Stage as two roots based bands Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band energized the overlooked town.
Saranac, a name meaning “Cluster of Stars” is inspired by the Iroquois Indians, historically indigenous to the area now known as Utica and throughout Upstate NY). Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks, in the middle of this run-down, old industrial stopover city – a place where the buildings are so worn the brick look windburn and the hollowed shells of factories whisper a forgotten town – sits the lively Saranac Brewery with a massive American flag soaring above. Symbolic and geographically historic, the city-in-the-shadows reflects American folklore and does so in celebration with good brew and great music.
Steeped in Americana, Railroad Earth warmed up the crowd with a tantalizingly ominous “Forecast” but fortunately, the weather cooperated as the venue is open-air. “Stillwater Getaway” showcased instrumental mastery and perhaps served as a nod to Railroad Earth’s home base, engaging the crowd for an eight-minute dance around before slowing down in a soothing “A Day on the Sand.” Moving through a truncated but lovely set, the evening was beginning to take shape, the sun was setting, the temperature mirrored a typical August day in Upstate NY and the craft beer was joyously received and the songs unfolded. Gratitude would be the only acceptable emotion and that sentiment was echoed in “Livin’ the Good Life.” The segue that followed was a playful tease and a subtle hint at the soon-to-take off, cerebral jam, “Seven Story Mountain.” Railroad Earth’s folk like lyrics and organic tones make for a synchronous match for such a location.
Setlist: The Forecast > Stillwater Getaway, A Day On The Sand, Came Up Smilin, Saddle Of The Sun > Shockenaw Mountain Breakdown, Livin The Good Life > Seven Story Mountain, Hard Livin, Bringin My Baby Back Home
Listen to Railroad Earth’s set
After a rousing set by Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band kept the excitement high by launching right into “Ramblin in the Rambler” which easily transitioned into “Pretty Daughter” and just as cheers began hit right back into “Ramblin.” Stopping briefly to welcome the burgeoning crowd the band took little breathing room before launching into a more than 20 song set, stretching to the edges of their catalog, even including Frank Zappa’s “I am the Slime.” With the sun finally setting, the band welcomed to the stage Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth for “Funtime” a jammed out “Riverside” and closed the set with a tune many YMSB fans know far too well, “Two Hits and the Joint turned Brown.”
Taking a short break, Yonder returned to the stage for their encore adding to their ranks John Skehan, Andy Goessling and Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth. The three talented musicians added to the already robust sound to help YMSB close with “If You’re Ever in Oklahoma > No Expectations >Oklahoma.” Yonder Mountain String Band, no strangers to Saranac Brewery were perfectly complimented by Railroad Earth, making it a strong night of bluegrass, beer and dancing.
Setlist: Tuning Up, Ramblin in the Rambler>Pretty Daughter>Ramblin in the Rambler, New Deal Train, Don’t You Lean On Me, I am the Slime>Northern Song, Just Like Old Times, Katy Daly, Finally Saw the Light, Pockets, Irondale, Death Trip > Boatman, Going to the Races, Funtime* >, Riverside*> Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown*
Encore: Oklahoma# > No Expectations# > Oklahoma#
*with Tim Carbone on Violin
#with Andy Goessling on Guitar and John Skehan on Mandolin and Tim Carbone on Violin
From its inception DelFest has set out to be a festival of traditions, music tradition gathered with family traditions of camping and sing-alongs around the campfire, with Bluegrass being the traditional music of America, a festival that offers both is a magical wonderland in my book. Del McCoury has been an American bluegrass legend since his days with Bill Monroe but, he has also been embraced by the jamband scene, where he has shared the stage with Phish, Keller Williams, Yonder Mountain String Band and many more staples in the jam music scene. Bringing the two music scenes together at one festival has promised to produce one of the most popular festivals of the Summer of 2013.
Before the music even starts at DelFest, festival goers who are also musicians are encouraged to attend the DelFest Music Academy, where the teachers are The Travelin’ McCourys and The Rambling Rooks. It takes place between May 20-23rd, the three days preceding the music festival. The cost of the academy includes a 4-day festival pass and camping. For more information on the DelFest Academy please visit 
Once it is time for the music to start no one there is gonna sit down till the car ride home on Monday and based on my past experience with the awesome humans who attend this festival, ain’t no one doin anything but dancin from dusk till dawn. This year’s lineup includes the festival’s namesake and headliner legendary Del McCoury, T
Late Nights at DelFest are also tradition in their own right. With an intimate indoor area at the DelFest Music Hall, these crazy nights are fueled by 2 bands whom also have main stage appearances during the weekend. Late Night performances begin after music has ended on the Grandstand Stage. Doors open at Midnight and specific set times are TBA. Admission is $20/show. Get your tickets in advance 
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