Yonder Mountain String Band Brings Jamgrass Music to Capitol Theatre in Flint

The iconic jamgrass group, Yonder Mountain String Band, is bringing its energetic sound to the Capitol Theatre at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, with opening acts Bridge and Flint River Outfit.

Jamgrass is distinguished from bluegrass in that it pulls from rock and pop. It often has additional instruments (drums, electric guitars, and the “resophonic” slide dobro guitars). Organizers say not to expect one performance to be the same as any other. In short, jamgrass is a freer and more expansive version of traditional bluegrass. 

From selling out Red Rocks Amphitheatre at a time when that was unheard of for a string act, to standing at the microphone in front of tens of thousands at festivals like Bonnaroo, Yonder Mountain is considered one of the pioneering groups of the jamgrass style of playing. Yonder Mountain was the initial spark in an acoustic inferno decades ago that endures headlong into the 21st century. 

The Colorado-based quintet is also one of the most innovative groups in the live music scene—something the groundbreaking ensemble has proudly held high for the better part of a quarter-century. Building on the firm foundation of bluegrass’ “high, lonesome sound,” Yonder Mountain has ebbed, flowed and evolved over the last 24 years, all while keeping the tried-and-true good songs, good jams, good-people mentality fans have loved since day one, earning them a coveted, upcoming spot in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

Band members recorded a new album, Get Yourself Outside, during the pandemic after several months apart. It will be featured in their performance at the Capitol. 

“We want the listener to get outside of your own head, get outside the box or container that you’ve created around yourself. Look outside and see what else is out there,” says Yonder Mountain Bassist Ben Kaufmann. 

Yonder Mountain’s performance kicks off the new LightSky Farms Series at the Capitol. 

“The Capitol is known for bringing exceptionally unique groups like Yonder Mountain to Flint,” said LightSky Farms Owner Bob Landall. “We’re thrilled to be part of it. The Capitol is a great place to see a show like this. The sound in its renovated space is outstanding.”

Tickets for the show are on sale for $30-50 at www.tickets.thewhiting.com. Genesee County residents receive a 30 percent discount as a benefit of the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage. A full schedule of upcoming events at The Capitol Theatre and tickets can be found at www.capitoltheatreflint.com.