yonder mountain string band

Nederland, CO-based newgrass quartet Yonder Mountain String Band will be appearing at the Democratic National Convention today:

We're pleased to announce that Yonder will take the stage at this year's Democratic National Convention to be held at INVESCO field at Mile High on August 28. Yonder will perform on the last day of the convention prior to Barack Obama's highly-anticipated acceptance speech for the nomination. Other performers on Thursday include: Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Will I Am, Michael McDonald and Jennifer Hudson. This is the first convention to be held in Denver in one hundred years and Yonder is proud to be performing at such an historic event in their own community. The convention anticipates 75,000 people in attendance.

YMSB are an across-the-board BOT favorite, so we're excited that they're getting the chance to participate in this event.

Also appearing at the DNC will be diesel-thighed Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, who will lead the Pledge of Allegiance while performing a balance beam routine.

Okay, not really, but wouldn't that be nifty? She will be leading the Pledge of Allegiance, but I assume it'll be from an upright standing position.

You can view the full DNC schedule for today here.

The 2008 Austin City Limits Music Festival lineup was released on April 15, 2008. The event, which is set to take place September 26-28 at Zilker Park in Austin, TX, will feature headlining acts Foo Fighters, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, and Beck. Also making appearances at the 7th edition of the festival will be Iron & Wine, Hot Chip, Yonder Mountain String Band, Xavier Rudd and Slightly Stoopid.

Check out the full ACL 2008 lineup after the jump

Yonder Mountain String Band, one of America's premier newgrass groups, are making a stop in downtown Houston at Warehouse Live on Saturday night. They are currently smack-dab in the middle of their "Cabin Fever" tour that finishes up in St. Louis at the end of this month. This young group of guys from Nederland, Colorado make sure to send you home smiling. Their fast-paced high-energy sets have built major reputation for them in the bluegrass, jamband and country communities. Their two-set show will leave you sweating, and thirsty for more.

Continue reading for more details

Upcoming shows in the Houston Area:

Thu Jan 31
Dan Dyer at McGonigel's Mucky Duck
I first discovered Dan Dyer when Doughnut and I were checking out a set by New Orleans artist Sam & Ruby at the 2006 Voodoo Music Festival. He joined in for several songs during their set, and added a lot to their total sound. I am interested to see what his solo set is like. Show starts at 7:30; tickets are $10.

John Evans and Southern Backtones at the Hard Rock Cafe
This is a benefit concert for Star of Hope. It features two up-and-coming rock acts that are making big splashes in the Houston music scene. Apparently they are also going to have Jimi Hendrix's guitar there. Show starts at 6:30; they are asking for a suggested donation of $5.

Fri Feb 1
Big Daddy Kane, Kool Moe Dee, Whodini and Willie D at the 610 Arena
I am not really sure whats going on with this one. I can't seem to find too much information about it. It looks like a great old-school hip-hop show. What could be better than that. Please let me know if any of you have any more information about this show.

Christopher Lawrence at Rich's
Rich's downtown nightclub brings in another world renowned DJ for Houston's dance scene to enjoy. Make sure you always know where your drink is though. Show starts late; tickets are $15.

Sat Feb 2
Blue Mountain at Continental Club
This alternative country band broke up in 2001, and are currently on their reunion tour. They feature Wilco bassist John Stirratt's twin sister Laurie on bass and vocals. Show Starts at 10; Ticket prices at the door.

Check Other at The Mink
Local Houston MC crew Check Other bring their fresh hip-hop sound to the Mink. This should be a pretty fun party featuring a couple DJ's and a midnight set by Check O. Show starts at 9; tickets are $7.

Digital Underground at Scout Bar
Here is another good old hip-hop show for you. Upside - They are taking a two year hiatus from the road. Downside - They are playing in Clear Lake. Show starts at 8; Tickets are $15.

The Fiery Furnaces at The Proletariat
The Proletariet are closing their doors this weekend with a bang. The Fiery Furnaces will assuredly finish it off right. Local Houston acts The Dimes and Elaine Greer support. Show starts early; Ticket prices at the door.

Spoonfed Tribe and D.R.U.M. at Fitzgerald's
Dallas favorites Spoonfed Tribe bring their tribal-rock sound to Fitzgerald's upstairs. Local reggae/afrobeat band D.R.U.M. open up the evening. Show starts at 8; Tickets are $10.

White Williams and Rings at Walter's On Washington
Many good things are going to come of this guy in the next couple of years. He has been compared to, and has ties to Dan Deacon, which says a lot. If you want to get down, this is the place to be. Show starts at 9; tickets are $10.

Yonder Mountain String Band at Warehouse Live
If you did not pick one of those other five shows, make your way over to Warehouse Live for a nice healthy does of some faced-paced newgrass. These guys are a treat for anybody who has never seen them. We have a nice little interview lined up, so stay tuned for the feature. Show starts at 9; tickets are $20.

Growing up, I never thought bluegrass would be one of my favorite genres of music. It wasn't until I saw Yonder Mountain String Band in February of 2003 that I fell in love with bluegrass. I immediately obtained a mandolin and added it to my pile of instruments that I love to play, but don't know how. I started to collect as much of Bill Monroe, John Hartford, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck, David Grisman and all the other pickers that I could find. Soon after I started to really get into the new
wave of bluegrass, especially the scene coming out of Colorado and the Midwest.

My live bluegrass repertoire has been lacking the past several months, so I was excited to see that The DeWayn Brothers were bringing their rambunctious brand of newgrass to the downstairs lounge of Fitzgerald's in Houston on the 11th of January.

Go ahead and get your bluegrass fix

Keeping a New Years resolution is pretty much impossible for me. I am sure many people are in the same boat. I have quit smoking three times. I have gone on four unsuccessful diets. It just does not work for me. This year I have decided to make one that would stick. My New Years resolution is to see as many great live acts as I can in 2008. I have not had any trouble going to great live shows in the past so I thought that this would be the perfect resolution for me (I am quitting smoking for a fourth time on the 7th of January. The reason for quitting on the 7th is to make sure it's not actually a resolution).

The beginning of this year is shaping up to be a pretty exciting one musically. Bands are starting to book their spring dates, and Houston, Austin and beyond are starting to fill in their calendars. Here's a list of shows that we here at Breakfast On Tour are really starting to get amped about.

Continue reading to see where we are going to be

Even though I'll be spending my New Year "weekend" at home, I decided to list my top five new year's events going on this year, leading us all into 2008. Who knows, maybe Eggs will be feeling saucy and buy me an all expenses paid trip to one of these shows. I thank you in advance Eggs. Here they are.....

1. Yonder Mountain String Band- The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO.

Call me crazy, but I'm kind of biased towards these guys, especially when there on multi-night runs. This will be their third night in the Mile High City.

Click to view the rest of the list