One of the biggest names in bluegrass is coming to Lake Tahoe.
Yonder Mountain String Band is back at the Crystal Bay Club on Friday, Jan. 11, for one of their first performances of a ferocious tour to start 2019.
In the more than 20 years since the band formed in Nederland, Colorado, the quintet has garnered a dedicated following. Their music is frequently described as jamgrass — a perfect word to describe the blend of bluegrass and jamband styles.
The band “reconfigured” in 2014 after founding member and mandolin player Jeff Austin left due to creative differences. Jacob Jolliff replaced Austin on mandolin and fiddle player Allie Kral formally joined the group.
The group released the album “Black Sheep” in 2015, which was followed two years later by “Love. Ain’t Love”
The album received positive reviews from critics, who noted the album’s presentation of a slightly different style driven by the newly configured band.
Yonder founders put it another way.
“I think this is our best album yet,” guitarist Adam Aijala said.
Not to diminish from the work and creative effort that goes into creating a studio album, but it’s live performances that make Yonder … well, Yonder.
Like all good jams, their shows traverse a diverse gulf of sound, from loud and frenzied to masterful mashups in which each musician is a puzzle piece that fits in perfectly. It’s like jazz, except it’s enjoyable to listen too.
In short, you don’t want to miss this show.
Doors open for Yonder Mountain String Band, with special guest Handmade Moments, at 8:30 p.m. at the Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room. Tickets are $35 plus fees; go to the CBC’s website to learn more.