Yonder Mountain String Band: Strings Music Festival 2026

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, rock, and country with soulful, funky grooves. 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, 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.