Some Kinfolk Celebration History
Yonder's relationship with Planet Bluegrass began in their first year, as the young band was offered a main stage set at the 1999 RockyGrass festival shortly after forming in late 1998.
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| Ad for 2003 Kinfolk Celebration |
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That 1999 RockyGrass set made a strong impression as the following year the band began its run on the main stage of Telluride Bluegrass, which has remained unbroken since 2000 (including numerous Telluride NightGrass performances). Yonder has returned to the RockyGrass main stage 3 times since 1999, including their infamous "TBA" slot to celebrate their 10th anniversary at the 2009 festival.
The 2012 Kinfolk Celebration marks the return of the event to its original home...
2002: A Kinfolk Celebration
The first Kinfolk Celebration was held on Planet Bluegrass in 2002. This single-day event on Saturday, September 14 included camping and several bands: Single Malt Band, Open Road, and several full sets from Yonder Mountain.
2003: Kinfolk Celebration
The 2nd Kinfolk Celebration on Planet Bluegrass expanded to a 2-day event, Friday & Saturday (Sept 12-13) including camping and performances from 5 other bands.
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| "Mountain Tracks 3" CD Recorded at 2003 Kinfolk Celebration |
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The beloved double-CD "Mountain Tracks 3" collects highlights from Yonder's sets over the course of these 2 days in Lyons.
Friday's show started at 4pm with a set from Willy Porter, followed by Yonder Mountain. Saturday's full day of music began at noon with sets from: High on the Hog, The Wayfarers, Reeltime Travelers, String Congress (featuring Darol Anger, Brittany Haas, Heidi Andrade, Rashad Eggleston & Ben Kaufmann), and sets from Yonder Mountain.
Have some cherished memories or photos of the early Kinfolk Celebrations in Lyons? We'd love to hear from you. Share your story on the Festivarian Forum or on Facebook.