Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-23
DelFest’s bluegrass heart meets the Grateful Dead songbook once again on DelFest Does Dead Vol. 2, a live two-LP collection featuring 12 performances recorded during DelFest 2026 in Cumberland, Maryland.
The limited-edition release brings together Grateful Dead interpretations by The Travelin’ McCourys, Toy Factory Project, Blackberry Smoke, Maggie Rose featuring Sierra Hull, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan, Shadowgrass featuring Heaven McCoury, Magoo, Gilbert Lee, Falco & Book, Buffalo Rose and Sierra Hull.
“Once we started getting everybody together at DelFest to honor the Dead in 2025… watching all the bands play these songs, it was just fun. Really fun. We had such a good time with it that we knew we weren’t done. So, here we are with DelFest Does Dead Vol. 2. More songs, more friends, and we’ll see where it goes. And stay tuned for news on DelFest 2027 comin’ real soon.”
— Ronnie McCoury
The result is a journey through the Grateful Dead catalog filtered through bluegrass, Appalachia, high-lonesome harmonies and the individual styles of the musicians who gathered at DelFest from May 21–24, 2026.
A portion of proceeds from the release will benefit the Rex Foundation, established by members of the Grateful Dead in 1983 to support community-based arts and music education, social services and environmental causes.
DelFest Does Dead Vol. 2 is pressed on black vinyl and is expected to ship December 15, 2026. The album is available to preorder individually or as part of a four-LP bundle containing Volumes 1 and 2.
As has become tradition, The Travelin’ McCourys closed down the Grandstand Stage at DelFest 2026. Their complete performance is now available to watch, including the band’s rendition of “Scarlet Begonias,” which opens DelFest Does Dead Vol. 2.
Watch The Travelin’ McCourys’ complete DelFest 2026 set.
The Travelin’ McCourys will also release their new single, “She Did Break,” on October 13 through McCoury Music. The track is available to pre-save now.
Side A
“Scarlet Begonias” — The Travelin’ McCourys
“They Love Each Other” — Toy Factory Project
“U.S. Blues” — Blackberry Smoke
Side B
“Sugaree” — Maggie Rose featuring Sierra Hull
“Jack Straw” — The Infamous Stringdusters
“Cold Rain & Snow” — Peter Rowan
Side C
“Mr. Charlie” — Shadowgrass featuring Heaven McCoury
“Peggy-O” — Magoo
“Uncle John’s Band” — Gilbert Lee
Side D
“Wharf Rat” — Falco & Book
“Samson & Delilah” — Buffalo Rose
“Black Muddy River” — Sierra Hull
