Yonder Mountain String Band

Yonder Mountain String Band formed in Nederland, Colorado in the late 1990s. They built their reputation through relentless touring, gradually winning over audiences with a sound that mixed traditional bluegrass with folk and rock elements. Their 2002 album 'Elevation' brought them wider attention, and they followed it with records like 'Old Hands' in 2008, which incorporated jazz and funk touches.

The band's core lineup has included Jeff Austin on guitar and vocals, Dave Johnston on banjo and vocals, Ben Kaufmann on bass and vocals, Adam Aijala on mandolin and vocals, and Nick Piccininni on fiddle. Their live shows became known for energetic performances, and songs like 'Suspicious Minds,' 'Behold the Rock of Ages,' and 'Left Me in a Hole' show their range from covers to original material.

Some critics felt they strayed too far from traditional bluegrass, but the band kept exploring different sounds. They released albums like 'Black Sheep' in 2015 and continued touring, maintaining a consistent presence without settling into a predictable pattern.