Allie Kral has left Yonder Mountain String Band, the fiddler/vocalist announced on Monday via social media. In a separate post, the jamgrass outfit supported her decision and stated that a rotating cast of musicians would join the group for the rest of the year beginning with Jake Simpson (The Lil Smokies).
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you my time with Yonder has come to an end,” Kral wrote. “I need to focus more on my family and my mental health and wellness. The touring life is both magical and challenging in the best of times, and being able to continue at my own pace will support me in this.”
In the wake of founding mandolinist Jeff Austin‘s departure from Yonder in 2014, Kral and mandolinist Jacob Jolliff joined the permanent lineup the following year. Then in 2020, Jolliff announced he was leaving the group, with multi-instrumentalist Nick Piccininni (Floodwood) taking his place on the roster.
“I’m unbelievably thankful for all the opportunities, and fond memories, my Yonder family and Kinfolk have given me over the past 8 years! I sincerely love you all whole-heartedly,” Kral continued. “I promise to remind whomever comes in to play all the David Gilmour licks, and to laugh at all of Ben’s jokes!”
Related: The Final Verse: 20 Years Of Northwest String Summit Come To A Close [Photos/Videos]
In the band’s post, YMSB announced that the next nine shows would feature fiddler Jake Simpson. The band also expressed support for Kral and her decision.
“Allie Kral is our sister, we love her and we support her in her decision to prioritize her family and her mental health,” the band wrote. “We look forward to playing music in the future together when the opportunities are there. We wish her the very best!”
Yonder Mountain String Band’s first show with Simpson will take place on August 17th in Portsmouth, NH, with additional dates stretching through early September. See below for a list of upcoming dates and the statements from Kral and YMSB.
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