Yonder Mtn. String Band back in the hood

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

When I was in college in Colorado around the year 2000, there was this new band starting to break into the music scene. Filled with fast-picking all-stars, Yonder rapidly became a household name for American progressive bluegrass. I even got to see them play in a small Denver bar filled with beer-drinking hippies and sweating bluegrass lovers. The show, in a word, was amazing.

Yonder Mountain String Band. Courtesy photo.

Fast forward to today and the Colorado-based five-piece is still as energetic, creative and fun as ever. Founding members Adam Aijala, Dave Johnston and Ben Kaufman reconfigured the band a few years ago with the addition of new players Allie Kral and Jacob Jolliff. Yonder released their latest studio album “Love. Ain’t Love” last summer, keeping their feet firmly rooted in traditional bluegrass, but always striving to keep the sound current and forward-thinking. They remain one of the hottest and most talented bluegrass bands on planet Earth.

“I think this is our best album yet,” said Aijala.

Catch Yonder as they return to Sandpoint at The Hive on Sunday, March 11. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 if bought in advance, or $30 at the door. This is a 21 and up show, www.livefromthehive.com for more info.