Musician finds value in family
Staff writer
Having been to recent Chingawassa Days, Marion resident Dylan Delk understood the gravity of being an opening act.
“The last couple years, I really wanted to play up there,” he said. “I’m used to playing at local bars or weddings, but I always thought it would be cool to go up there as an opening act.”
Delk’s performance at 6 p.m. Saturday will be a major opportunity, while his music career is at a crossroads as a young father is at a crossroads.
“In years prior, I definitely would have used it as a springboard,” he said. “Now I have a 9-month-old son, and I’m in the process of adopting a 6-year-old, so I’m not sure what direction I’ll take it.”
The experience as a recent father changed Delk’s musical focus, but it also increased his appreciation for the experience.
“The first few songs I wrote were your typical new style of bar song about finding a girl,” he said. “Since then it’s more about regular lifestyle. It definitely changes the style of writing.”
Working full-time and being a father, he has been looking forward to his first performance since his son was born.
“It’s harder to find time to write music and play as much,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing in front of a crowd.”
Despite the shift in focus, Delk already is experiencing the benefits of involvement in Chingawassa Days.
“I’ve had people seeing if I want to play other events because of the local publicity,” he said.
While it’s Delk’s first time playing such a big event, excitement trumps nervousness.
“I’m more anxious than anything,” he said. “Nervousness isn’t that big a factor, and once I get up there, it all goes away.”
Having experience with smaller settings, Delk will be able to show off his own music more.
“This is a good opportunity to get out and play some songs I’ve written,” he said. “It’s a good crowd, so I feel like they’ll be more into it than being at some bar.”