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    Del McCoury’s career began as a member of the Bluegrass Boys with Bill Monroe. Since then, he has become a bluegrass legend, distinguishing himself in several bands and earning the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Male Vocalist of the Year honor four times, including three in a row. He currently leads The Del McCoury Band, comprised of Del on rhythm guitar and vocals, his sons Ronnie on mandolin and Rob on banjo, Mike Bub on bass, and Jason Carter on fiddle. The band is a regular at The Grand Ole Opry and has won Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year and Instrumental Group of the Year awards from the IBMA.
    The band’s relationship with Phish began at the 1998 Farm Aid concert, where both bands performed. Phish then invited Del’s band to perform at the summer 1999 Oswego festival; Del’s band wowed the crowd over at “Echo Lodge” on The Green. Del and company then joined Phish for a rousing “Back on the Train,” and stayed on for bluegrass numbers including “I’m Blue I’m Lonesome” and “Beauty of My Dreams.” The following year in Antioch, TN, McCoury and members of his band again joined Phish, this time for “I’m Blue, I’m Lonesome,” “Hold Whatcha Got,” “Uncle Pen” and “Freebird.”