Yonder Mountain String Band Announces Lineup Changes

Yonder Mountain String Band is now officially a five-piece. The band has confirmed its new band member lineup, which features the additions of violinist Allie Kral and mandolin virtuoso Jacob Jolliff along with founding members Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals) and Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals).

Both Kral and Jolliff have toured with Yonder since the departure of Jeff Austin last year. The pair and the five-piece lineup appear on the group’s latest full-length studio album, Black Sheep (Frog Pad Records), which is scheduled for release on June 16. “Playing with Jake and Allie, working with them in the studio, and traveling with them has been a real blast,” said Johnston. “I couldn’t have anticipated how they have simultaneously provided a host of great possibilities and potential for Yonder Mountain while at the same time fitting in with our vibe. They are truly part of our Yonder family and I welcome the days to come.”

“Just months ago, we were playing music for the first time together,” said Allie Kral. “We were getting to know one another and ‘testing the waters’ so to speak. What we found was that we have the dedication and the drive to practice all day long, the hearts to hang out together as friends, and the souls to play together on that stage. I’m equally blessed and humbled to become a member of Yonder Mountain String Band, and forever a Kinfolk.”

Jacob Jolliff added, “It’s been such an honor and a privilege to perform with Yonder Mountain String Band for the last year. I’m so grateful to the band for the opportunity, and to the fans for being so welcoming. I’m excited to continue to spend time with these great people, and push each other to make better and better music!”

Yonder Mountain String Band begins a lengthy Summer Tour in June after May appearances at Dear Jerry, Rooster Walk and Summer Camp.

Yonder Mountain String Band Summer Dates

06/13 – Eau Claire, WI @ Blue Ox Festival
06/17 – Telluride, CO @ TB -Conference Center
06/19 – Telluride, CO @ TB -Sheridan Opera House
06/20 – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Bluegrass Festival
06/24 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Amphitheater w/ Widespread Panic
06/25 – Memphis, TN @ Lafayette’s Music Room
06/26 – Louisville, KY @ Headliners
06/27 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bluebird
06/28 – Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest Festival
07/01 – Portsmouth, NH @ Prescott Park Arts Festival
07/03 – Mt. Pocono, PA @ Sherman Theater Summer Stage
07/04 – Cincinnati, OH @ Moonlite Gardens
07/07 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
07/08 – Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
07/10 – Baldwinsville, NY @ Paper Mill Island
07/11 – Summit Point, WV @ All Good Music Festival
07/12 – Felton, CA @ Santa Cruz Mountain Sol
07/17 – North Plains, OR @ Northwest String Summit
07/18 – North Plains, OR @ Northwest String Summit
07/19 – North Plains, OR @ Northwest String Summit
08/01 – Des Moines, IA @ Hinterland Music Festival
08/18 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
08/19 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
08/21 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre