Yonder Mountain String Band, The

From Nederland, Colorado.
Called “The Original JamGrass Band.” They have been known to “jam” on one tune for more than 60 minutes.
They often invite celebrity performers to jam on stage with them–such as Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Bryan Sutton, even Earl Scruggs.
Formed in 1998, and has since performed at hundreds of prestigious venues, including Telluride, Rockygrass, MerleFest and the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco (the show was a sell-out).
They produce and distribute their own recordings, making them available to fans via live shows, internet downloads, etc.
Band members include Adam Aijala (guitar), Ben Kaufman (bass), Jeff Austin (mandolin) and Dave Johnston (banjo.)
Aijala previously played in punk and heavy metal rock bands.
Austin and Johnston met in college (University of Illinois) where Johnston played in a group called the “Bluegrassholes.”
2014, Austin left and formed his own group, The Jeff Austin Band.
2015, released Black Sheep album (Frog Pad).
2019, founding member Jeff Austin died at the age of 45.
2020, band now includes Allie Kral (fiddle) and Nick Piccininni (mandolin).
2022, released Get Yourself Outside album (Frog Pad).
2024, released Nowhere Next album (Frog Pad).