Sunday morning at MerleFest each year begins with a Sunday morning devotional, this year led by Jeff Little Trio featuring gospel songs of Doc Watson, and Laura Boosinger offered a set of shape-note singing. Festival-goers got another chance to see the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Mike Compton and Joe Newberry, and Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band.
Since word was out on Thursday that Nickel Creek had to cancel as the festival’s closing act, due to Chris Thile’s illness, everyone was eager to see who would appear in that slot. Tanya Tucker, who was scheduled to appear before the final set had some conflicts as well, with the band’s bus breakdown and equipment bugs, so her set was moved to the closer and The Travelin’ McCourys with Del McCoury took the stage to a rollicking audience response. Ronnie McCoury and his band opened, playing some of their greatest hits, including “Let Her Go,” before Del joined them on stage in high spirits at the top of his game. He obliged the audience by singing Richard Thompson’s “Vincent Black Lightning 1962,” which Del and band made their own. Despite the timekeeper attempting to wind them down, Del kept bringing out guests–including Sam Bush and Peter Rowan. The McCourys’ fiddler was also joined by Laura Orshaw and Julian Pinelli for a triple fiddle treat.
Tanya Tucker gave a strong finale, feisty as ever, singing many of her favorite hits across the year–including “Will You Lay With Me,” noting the criticism she got for singing that at fifteen. She also sang a moving song inspired by her parents’ long marriage. Of course, everyone knew the set wasn’t over, indeed MerleFest wasn’t over, until Tanya sang “Delta Dawn,” leading into it from a verse of “Amazing Grace.” The audience sang along like Swifties in an arena, then packed up and hauled gear back to the car, looking forward already to next year.