Friday and Saturday with Yonder Mountain String Band with The Fretliners

Plus Friday with Broken Compass Bluegrass 7PM and Saturday with GOAT Mafia (Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble) 7PM

Doors 6:30pm

Show 8pm

Yonder Mountain String Band, a driving force in roots music for nearly three decades

and a key player in the progressive jamgrass movement, kicks off a new chapter with

Nowhere Next. Featuring original songs inspired by lived experiences, people, and

places that have shaped them, the album is a mix of bluegrass, indie rock, and country

with soulful, funky grooves that call for a good time. Their 11th studio album follows the

Grammy-nominated Get Yourself Outside (2022), adding depth and momentum to

Yonder’s rich musical legacy.

Nowhere Next showcases the musical talents and collaborative writing efforts of

founding members Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals), and

Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), alongside multi-instrumentalist Nick Piccininni

(mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals), a five-year veteran whose contributions as a singer

and instrumentalist shine throughout the record. Together, they co-wrote nine of the

eleven tracks, artfully blending their unique perspectives and vocal ranges to give each

song its own distinct character. Coleman Smith (fiddle) makes his studio debut, adding

a vibrant layer that complements the band’s overall dynamic. Grammy-winning Dobro

legend Jerry Douglas brings his signature style to three standout tracks: “Here I Go,”

“Wasting Time,” and “Didn’t Go Wrong.”

Balancing nostalgia and innovation, Nowhere Next captures the essence of Yonder’s

journey, transitioning from reflective storytelling to adventurous, genre-defying

excursions. Tracks like “Leave the Midwest,” “Cruisin’,” and “The Truth Fits”

highlights their gift for narrative, while “Nowhere Next,” “Here I Go,” and “Wasting

Time” reveal their capacity for the unexpected. “Come See Me,” “Second Hand

Smoke,” and “Outlaw” nod to tradition with a touch of country that complements the

band’s signature style. The album also pays homage to Yonder’s storied past, breathing

new life into two classics from the Yonder catalog, “River”(written by Yonder Mountain

String Band) and “Didn’t Go Wrong” (written by Shawn Camp and Billy Burnette),

reaching back over two decades.

Produced by Yonder Mountain String Band, Nowhere Next brings together the

unique voices and visions of each member, where their contributions resonate with a

shared openness. This collective synergy forges a powerful bond within the band,

making each track feel both grounded and alive with their connection. Edgy, heartfelt,

and full of surprises, Nowhere Next stands out as one of Yonder’s most compelling

albums yet, inviting listeners to experience the band at their most vibrant and

unrestrained.

The Fretliners

It is rare for there to exist a defining moment that changes the trajectory of four lives at once. But, clear as a lightning bolt in an open field, so electric was the moment The Fretliners first played together around a single microphone in the Cloverlick banjo shop barn one fateful evening, they knew they would be inseparable from that moment on.

The Fretliners (Tom Knowlton - guitar, Sam Parks - mandolin, Dan Andree - fiddle, Taylor Shuck - bass) are a genuine and powerful bluegrass quartet recognized for their songwriting and undeniable chemistry. Their newfound camaraderie produces an energy that is as infectious on stage as it is on record. So much so that in the summer of 2023, they won both band competitions at Telluride Bluegrass and Rockygrass Festivals—a feat that had only been accomplished once before. That September, they released their debut eponymous album to acclaim and adoration.​

With one eye on the rear-view, inspired by that traditional high lonesome sound, The Fretliners navigate a road less traveled into the peaks of Rocky Mountain original bluegrass.

Broken Compass Bluegrass

Broken Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an undeniable joy that permeates with every note they play. The band's repertoire includes numerous original compositions as well as fresh takes on timeless classics, all delivered with their own distinctive style.

From the moment they take the stage, it's clear that Broken Compass Bluegrass is something different. Their energy is palpable as they weave intricate melodies and harmonize with ease, creating a wall of sound that transports fans to a place where tradition meets innovation. Whether you're a die-hard bluegrass aficionado or just looking for some foot-stomping fun, Broken Compass Bluegrass is sure to leave you spellbound and inspired.