The 17th-annual Northwest String Summit saw perennial all-stars Yonder Mountain String Band sounding better than ever all weekend long as their signature jam-grass sound wafted up over the natural beauty of North Plains, OR’s Horning’s Hideout. They played all four days, though their set on the last day was a short, two song acoustic jam during the annual Lillian Trippe Memorial Head Shave. As always, Yonder’s sets mixed their own captivating originals with a slew of serious and decidedly not-so-serious covers re-imagined in the bluegrass style, from Del McCoury to Edgar Winter and beyond.

Yonder’s duties as ambassadors of the Northwest String Summit (NWSS) extended far beyond the main stage. Members took part in workshops, hosted signings and meet-and-greet opportunities, and generally wandered the grounds greeting the hundreds—hell, thousands—of friends they have made at the fest over the years. That sense of community made their music connect with the festival’s audience all the more easily, and the feeling of anticipation and joy when each show started was fiercely palpable.

We’ve got some exclusive videos from our own Rex-A-Vision below, so you fine folks can get a sense of what you missed this past weekend at Horning’s Hideout. Be sure to plan yourself a trip out to Oregon for next year’s instalment of Northwest String Summit for a picture-perfect weekend of picking, grinning and the love of everyone around you! Enjoy!

Yonder Mountain String Band – “All Aboard”

 

Yonder Mountain String Band – “Take A Chance On Me”

 

Yonder Mountain String Band – “Frankenstein”

For a list of Yonder Mountain String Band’s upcoming fall tour dates, and head over to the band’s website for more information.