CUMBERLAND — Students attending this week’s DelFest Academy said the community support found in the educational program makes them feel at home.
The annual academy got underway at the Allegany County Fairgrounds Monday and runs through Wednesday, with DelFest beginning Thursday. The program offers three days of lessons on a variety of instruments, including guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass and voice.
About 125 students participating this year will receive instruction from some of the top DelFest performers.
Five local residents were selected for a scholarship through the Troy McKenzie DelFest Foundation. The funding covers tuition and includes a four-day pass to DelFest.
The recipients include Rachel Klahre, Emily Cerda, Liam Riggin, Kirk Squires and Kimberly Ebbert.
“Everyone is so supportive,” said Ebbert, 43, from Frostburg, who’s attending the academy for the first time. “They’re here to help you no matter what your level is. It makes you want to keep coming back.”
The scholarship program was created in the memory of Troy “Motley” McKenzie, who died in 2023 following a battle with cancer. Mc- Kenzie had attended DelFest since it began in 2008.
“He loved DelFest,” said Darron Jones, who developed the scholarship program along with Annie Kilcoyne.
“He was passionate about bringing people together and enjoying great music. He would love to see these students participating.”
In its third year, the scholarship program selects five people to attend. The academy allows the attendees to bring a guest. Although the guest can’t receive instruction, they are able to watch and see up close how it works.
“I had decided I wanted to start playing because of being a guest at the academy a couple of times,” said Ebbert, who plays mandolin.
Ebbert caught the DelFest Academy bug.
“There is an energy, a buzz, that’s here,” she said. “You feel so welcome. You don’t even realize how much time has gone by; you are all so in tune. You’re playing music; song after song.”
Ebbert camps out during DelFest week at the fairgrounds with her family, which includes five children.
“If a parent has a child that is really interested in music and they like bluegrass, too, it’s a great opportunity for their child to take some lessons,” Ebbert said.
Squires, 25, was attending the academy for the first time.
“Some of it is over my head and some of it wasn’t,” said Squires, who plays guitar. “But it gave me something to go home and work on later. It’s like I know I need to go home and practice.
“I see others are struggling with this, too,” Squires said. “You can see others actively learning stuff beside you, which is really cool. That has been the most inspiring.”
Riggin, 15, a Bishop Walsh School student, said his interest in music came through his uncle Gustavo Manzur, a professional keyboardist and vocalist who has performed with Morrissey.
“He lives in Austin, Texas,” said Riggin, a guitarist. “Growing up around him I got to hear music a lot. He put a bass in my hands. He got me into music.
“Then a friend told me about the academy and the Troy McKenzie fund,” added Riggin. “I’m not big into bluegrass, but I am here mainly for the experience and trying to improve my skills. I just like being around the people and jamming. Everyone is friendly. You don’t get shamed no matter what your skill level is.”
Cerda, 48, of Frostburg, was also at the academy for the first time. “I love playing guitar,” she said. “I picked it up three years ago. I wanted to play all my life. At one point I just thought, I’m an adult; I can do this.
“I have some great teachers that suggested I apply and I’m so grateful. It’s amazing.”
Klahre, 35, has been attending DelFest since it began in 2008.
“My dad had previously done the academy and one of my cousins had got the scholarship,” said Klahre, who plays guitar. “They both said it was the best experience and that I needed to make sure I go to it. I’m happy I did.”
Other locals who participated who did not have a scholarship included Liam Robinette and Bodhi Gibbons-Guinn.
“I used to like classical and now I like bluegrass,” said Gibbons-Guinn, 17, of Mount Savage, who was participating in his fourth academy. “I like Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe. I just enjoy playing. The teachers are nice and friendly and really good at playing.”
Jeanne Gibbons, Bodhi’s mother, said her son was selected to play in the Young Guns group that, on occasion, is allowed to open for the Travelin’ McCourys.
“The opportunites are wonderful,” said Jeanne Gibbons. “Bodhi was able to play on stage in Pittsburgh with the Young Guns. The McCoury family really gives back in so many ways to our area.”
The Troy McKenzie DelFest Foundation raises money each year by holding MotleyFest. This year it will be held Aug. 1 at 1812 Brewery with several bands performing.