Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival

Fri.-Sun., Sept. 4-6, Salem County Fairgrounds, Woodstown, N.J., 302-635-3001, delawarevalleybluegrass.org.

by Mary Armstrong

bluegrass

The acts at the DVBF with the most recognizable names have had hits on the country stations, but rest assured you won't hear anything that leaves you wondering if the format flipped to soft rock. Every year, there is no better place to relax and explore the real roots of country music. Marty Stuart is the biggest attraction, and fans note: He's not doing the usual fest-ish pair of short sets in afternoon and evening, but one full-size set on Saturday night. Hillbilly Rock won him a wide audience, but people who have been coming to this festival since its launch in 1972 brag about seeing a 12-year-old Stuart as a breathtaking mandolinist with Lester Flatt. Rhonda Vincent also has bluegrass street cred. She once left her family band for NashVegas glitter, but she's long been back (still sports that stunning stagewear). Alecia Nugent is another who grew up in a family band. Check out her new Hillbilly Goddess (Rounder) CD — she is staying close to the roots. Sierra Hull (pictured) follows in Stuart's footsteps, an impressively young and inventive mandolinist.