Photos: Yonder Mountain String Band headline a grassjam at Grinders

July 21, 2025

Allison Scavo,

Yonder Mountain String Band. // photo by Allison Scavo

Yonder Mountain String Band, Railroad Earth, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Grinders KC
Friday, July 18

Friday night was a miniature festival at Grinder’s with all killer, no filler. On one of the hottest summer nights, Yonder Mountain String Band brought their Grassjam to Kansas City, a co-headlining miniature festival lineup alongside Railroad Earth and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. From the first note, it was clear Yonder Mountain was on fire. The set opened with their quintessential high-speed pickin’ and harmonies that’d make an angel blush. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with mandolin and banjo dueling in playful exchanges while the fiddle soared over the groove laid down by upright bass and guitar.

As always, their instincts were sharp, taking familiar tunes into unexpected territory while keeping the crowd right there with them. Despite the band’s hardships and one of the most significant losses in bluegrass history, Yonder Mountain String Band continues to maintain its strong bond while staying true to its core, with an unshakable connection to its fans. Their Kansas City stop was a glowing reminder of why they remain one of the most respected and exciting live bands in the jamgrass world. Catch a glimpse of it here.

Railroad Earth. // photo by Allison Scavo

Railroad Earth was sandwiched in the middle of this three-headliner tour blasting into a smooth, free-flowing set of their well-known jamgrass with heart. Their pacing built tension and heavy release across songs as they intertwined within one another, peaking with energetic instrumental solos as the sun lowered. Grinders’ intimate setting felt like a communal campfire at s small festival with everyone drawn close as the band took us into another dimension.

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. // photo by Allison Scavo

Daniel Donato was first of the three headliners. I just saw him last month in Maryland at All Good Now, and when he was on tour with Greensky Bluegrass in 2023, I can genuinely say he has given all he has in every setting. He is a beaming ray of energy with a smile that causes a wave of smiles across the faces of everyone in the crowd. His country jam-band exploration is a testament to his guitar skills being the center of gravity at every note.

His fluid, sharp, and inventive jams are backed by a tight yet flexible band that grooves seamlessly. Donato and his band stretched songs without losing precision or momentum. You have to see him before he starts winning Grammys and has tickets that will leave you requesting time off work to make sure you get into the pre-sales.

Yonder Mountain String Band