If you were going to be in Steamboat Springs, Colorado this weekend, you might have had three different chances to enjoy the live music of the Yonder Mountain String Band Friday through Sunday, but only if you already had tickets because all three dates at the Winter WonderGrass in that Rocky Mountain superstar ski resort have been sold out for some time now. Lucky for you if you put your money on the line next week you can reserve your chance to see them on what should be a considerably warmer day right here in Michigan’s Great Southwest as headliners for St. Joe Today’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival.
That American progressive bluegrass group — Yonder Mountain String Band — will headline the popular festival’s return to the Lake Michigan waterfront with A Taste of Michigan on May 19th at Whirlpool Centennial Park below the bluff in St. Joseph.
For nearly 20 years, Yonder Mountain String Band has redefined bluegrass music, expanding the traditional acoustic genre beyond its previously established boundaries by steadily pushing the envelope into the realms of rock n’ roll and improvisation. They have always played music of their own design, in the process attracting a devout coterie of fans that often resembles a tight knit family on an epic musical journey as Yonder traverses the country with an ever-rigorous tour schedule. They are a quintessential ensemble honing their craft night after night on the road, and the fans are there to experience it in real time. The result is music that doesn’t stand still, it’s always progressing and breaking unprecedented ground.
Amy Zapal is Executive Director of St. Joseph Today. She says, “This is an incredible opportunity to hear Yonder Mountain perform live with Lake Michigan as their backdrop.” She says this start-of-beach-season festival will serve up continuous music, finger-licking barbecue, regional craft brews and wines from noon to 8pm just yards from the big lake.
Zapal said Yonder Mountain is one of five bands scheduled for the rain-or-shine event. Pokey LaFarge will bring his “country blues and early jazz for the 21st century” to the stage. Ann Arbor-based Appleseed Collective will share their progressive string swing with the audience. Grammy nominated band The Grascals will showcase their modern bluegrass and country. And Albert Cummings will thrill the audience with his take on blues rock.
Zapal adds that event organizers wanted to raise the caliber of music at the event without impacting its affordability. That was made possible again this year through the generosity of Chemical Bank and music sponsor Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust. She also extends thanks to beverage tent sponsor, Bud Distributing, Inc., and the City of St. Joseph.
Tickets will go on sale next week, beginning on Thursday, March 1st. Tickets will be $20 in advance and $25 day of for the all-day festival with an additional charge for drink tickets on site. Food will be available for cash purchase. Zapal says local lodgings are geared up to host BBQ and music guests. Ticket and overnight stay information are available at stjoetoday.com/bbq or at the Welcome Center at 301 State Street in downtown St. Joseph.
Since 1917, Chemical Bank’s home town approach to banking has been focused on community banking, highlighted by local leadership and decision making, a devotion to community and personalized service. More information about the Corporation is available by visiting the investor relations section of its website at ChemicalBank.com.
The Paul & Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust is devoted to supporting the education of our local youth as well as supporting the growth of local businesses through community events. St. Joseph Today and the whole community benefit from their generous support for great music.
St. Joseph Today, a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and its surrounding communities. For more information about BBQ, Blue and Bluegrass or upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com or facebook.com/stjoetoday.
