Capturing Magic at Opal Agafia's Ozark Mountain Soul Fest: An Unforgettable Night with The Del McCoury Band
As the moon rose over the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a sense of anticipation filled the air. It was Saturday night at Opal Agafia's Ozark Mountain Soul Festival, a celebration of good food, incredible art, and insanely talented musicians. Any festival at The Farm Campground is always a good time but this specific weekend, the stage was set for an unforgettable weekend of great music and good times.
Among the lineup of talented artists, one name stood out as a beacon of bluegrass brilliance: The Del McCoury Band. Led by the incomparable Del McCoury himself, this ensemble of musical badasses are guaranteed to bring the heat. As always Del on guitar, his sons Ronnie on the mandolin and Rob on the banjo, along with the rhythmic backbone of Alan Bartram on bass and the of Jason Carter on fiddle.
As the evening unfolded and the first notes tore through the air, it became abundantly clear that the Del McCoury Band was here to have a good time and handle business. Their seamless fusion of traditional bluegrass melodies with contemporary flair was nothing short of remarkable. Each pluck of the strings, each wail of the vocals, seemed to transport the audience to a realm where time stood still and music reigned supreme.
But it wasn't just their instrumental skills that captivated the crowd—it was their infectious energy and undeniable charisma. Del McCoury, with his warm smile and quick wit, had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand from the moment he stepped on stage. His ability to effortlessly switch between heartfelt ballads and hilarious banter kept the audience hanging onto his every word.
As the night wore on, the band's chemistry only seemed to intensify, reaching its zenith when they were joined on stage by the festival's artist-at-large, Kyle Tuttle. With his fast fingers dancing across the strings of his banjo, Kyle added a new dimension to the music, elevating it to another level.
For me personally, it was a privilege to bear witness to such a spectacle of musical mastery. To have been able to document the magic of the Del McCoury Band, to have been entrusted with capturing their show—it was a honor beyond words.
In Del McCoury and his bandmates, I found not just musicians, but storytellers whose melodies wove tales of love & loss. To have had the opportunity to capture their artistry through my lens was a gift I will forever cherish.
