Concert Review: Yonder Mountain String Band @ Nokia Theatre

For bluegrass fans and bluegrass fans to be, do yourself a favor and go see YMSB!!

10.17.09
This past week a friend and I went to see Yonder play at the Nokia Theatre. The night started off well as we hit NYC early in the afternoon to meet up with old friends and watch some football at an irish pub. The day flew by and before I knew it, I was half drunk and on the subway headed to times square. We got there early to watch the opening acts. Danny Barnes opened and he was a bit of a dissapointment. I had seen Danny Barnes play before and he is an excellent banjo player, but to see him standing up there with a computer playing digital drums for him was a let down.

Railroad Earth then played a full set to a large crowd. The jersey natives have a real great thing goin on. They are not quite bluegrass but not quite rock n roll; ill just leave it at somewhere in between. Here was the Jersey boys set :

Seven Story Mountain, Old Dangerfield, Bird in a House, The Forecast, 1759, Bread and Water, Lovin’ You, Like a Buddha, Dance Around Molly – > Dandelion Wine

I was pleased to see them play some old tunes. Being back home probably had the boys feeling good. It sounded like Todd (lead singer, guitar) had practicing because that was some of the best guitar playing I’ve seen out of him. Met him during the show as well and he is just a really nice guy. Lots of respect and love for Railroad Earth.

Next was Yonder. Ben (bassist) announced that this was the largest crowd they had every played for in NYC and you could tell how much they were enjoying the bright lights and the big city. Setlist was as follows:

SET 1 Raleigh & Spencer, 40 Miles From Denver, Pride Of Alabama, Sometimes I’ve Won, Winds On Fire, Another Day, Complicated, Southbound, Elzic’s Farewell> New Horizons> Holdin’> New Horizons

SET 2 Traffic Jam> Little Rabbit> Traffic Jam, Crazy, Pike County Breakdown, Going Where The Do Not Know My Name, Finally Saw The Light, Country Boy Rock & Roll, Natchez Whistle> Peace Of MInd E:Harder They Come Harder They Fall, Shady Grove

The whole show was fun and they layed down some songs I had never heard them do before. But I’m sad to admit that one of my long time favorites 40 miles from denver was pretty poor. Ben just doesnt sign well; he just tries too hard and doesn’t have it in him to be a singer. Stick to the bass and songwriting dude becuase when it comes to those two skills, you’ve got it goin on. Other than that however the show was fun. Harder they come was SUCH a cool encore to play, and i think the first time they ever played it.

For anyone who enjoys bluegrass, or maybe wants to start to get into it, do yourself a favor and go and see these guys play. I have no problem calling them one of the best bluegrass bands of all time. They are that good.