A progressive bluegrass band, Yonder Mountain was first conceptualized in Illinois when banjo player Dave Johnston met mandolin player Jeff Austin in college. After moving to Colorado, bass player Ben Kauffman and guitarist Adam Aijala joined the mix. Formed to open a show for another band, the foursome found they shared the same jam-based bluegrass vibe and have since become a popular band on the circuit. With their roots in traditional bluegrass and Appalachian folk, they have crossover appeal with the young and old alike. Yonder Mountain have released a string of albums, beginning with their 1999 debut "Elevation" and going on to release "Mountain Tracks" volumes one through four, "Old Hands" in 2003 and a self-titled album in 2006. They allow fans to record and trade their live shows.