Check out the first video in a series from the Gondola Sessions!  We crammed into a Gondola in Aspen with our good friend Bill Nershi and picked “How Mountain Girls Can Love”.  No one got hurt and the video turned out pretty great!

We are very excited to announce we will be joining our friends, Yonder Mountain String Band for the majority of the first leg of their 2014 Winter Tour!  The Travelin’ McCourys will start the night out with a set from the band and then, in the absence of Jeff Austin, Ronnie McCoury and Jason Carter will join Yonder for their time on stage.

A note from Jeff…

Hello, friends…Jeff Austin here…just taking a minute to write and let you know of a few things coming up.

In late January 2014, my incredible wife and I are going to be welcoming the newest addition to our family into the world…a beautiful baby girl…an experience that we are both as excited about as new parents can be. This event also happens to coincide with the first Yonder Mountain tour of 2014. After much thought and a final decision by all parties involved, I wanted you all to know that I won’t be able to be a part of that tour. Nothing in this world is bigger in life than family…and in this case, not even the music I love so dearly.

Joining the band on that tour will be my brothers in life and music, The Travelin’ McCourys. I am humbled that some of my mentors will be taking up the reins and making music in my absence with the band I’ve given so much of my life to. Whereas I will miss feeding off the energy of all you incredible fans each night…getting to hear reports of them adding new life and energy to the music of Yonder Mountain is something I will relish in hearing from afar.

I want you to know that this decision was not something taken lightly. My family and I appreciate not only your understanding, love, and support during this time, but your confidence that this isn’t only the right decision to make…it is the only decision to make.

Dance hard, spread love, and give every single bit of your incredible energy to those musicians who will take my place. Show them what you are made of, Kinfolk.

Much love
jAustin

The Travelin’ McCourys will join Yonder on the below shows:

The Travelin’ McCourys are excited to announce their next round of the wildly popular touring festival aptly named The Bluegrass Ball.  The Bluegrass Ball held their inaugural event just over 2 years ago in the Midwest, so it seems appropriate that the latest 3 day run would return to its Midwestern roots.  For all 3 shows Bill Nershi of Stringcheese Incident will join The Travelin’ McCourys on guitar and each city will be joined by some of the hottest regional pickers.  The Bluegrass Ball was born out of the spirit of bluegrass festivals – the special memories made of impromptu jams and unscheduled collaborations that leave you with a smile on your face and awe in your ears.

Ask most string musicians both young or old and they will likely tell you they want to play with the McCoury family if they have not already. The McCourys are known for not only their ability to play with just about anyone, but for actually doing it!  Due to this willingness, the McCoury family is known as heavy weights on the festival and bluegrass scene – even having their own successful festival, Delfest.

Dates and lineup below – keep your eyes and ears open for additional announcements!

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Friday, November 15 2013

Majestic Theatre

Madison, WI

Travelin’ McCourys w/ Bill Nershi

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

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Saturday, November 16 2013

The Bluebird Nightclub

Bloomington, IN

Travelin’ McCourys w/ Bill Nershi

Rumpke Mountain Boys

And David Ganz

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Sunday, November 17 2013

City Winery Chicago

Chicago, IL

Travelin’ McCourys w/ Bill Nershi

Special guests TBA