Asheville, North Carolina
Photos: Robert Andries III
Words: Brandi Wilburn
Yonder Mountain String Band, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and Railroad Earth have joined forces, forming an epic trifecta this summer, 2025. Born out of mutual admiration, a shared love of improvisation, and a devotion to American roots music, the collaboration naturally evolved. Together, they are hitting stages all across the country under the banner of Yonder Cosmic Railroad Summer Jubilee.
The culmination of these three multi-genre powerhouses is creating legendary waves on one of this summer’s most anticipated tours. Asheville, NC, had the privilege of being one of the first stops at Asheville Yards, an outdoor amphitheater in the heart of downtown, on Friday, July 11th, delivering an unforgettable night
With a crowd spanning decades and local artisans lining the venue, Yonder Mountain opened with the fitting and energetic tune, “Night Out,” quickly setting an uplifting tone. The joyful atmosphere, paired with the song choice, shaped the theme for the entirety of their performance emphasizing their roots and old fan favorites.
Yonder consists of Dave Johnston (banjo and vocals), Ben Kaufmann (bass and vocals), Adam Aijala (guitar and vocals), Nick Piccininni (mandolin and vocals), and Coleman Smith (fiddle and vocals).
Three songs in, “Steep Grade, Sharp Curves” stood out both for its elements in bluegrass tradition and intricate interplay between solos. They established a powerful dynamic, complexity and high energy which carried through the set.
Just one newer song: “Come See Me” from their latest album Nowhere Next- made it into the set, featuring Johnston on banjo and lead vocals, with Piccininni offering vocal support. The balance of their harmonies and Johnston’s style offered a noticeable shift leaning into a more country feel as the rest of the ensemble joined in.
A clear crowd favorite, “Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown,” had the audience smiling and singing along. They closed with an old-timey tune “Raleigh and Spencer,” showcasing harmonies, raw instrumentation, and a perfect balance of energy and tradition.
Following Yonder Mountain was the ever evolving, unstoppable force of Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. The genre‑blending, psychedelic group has crowds raving coast to coast.
Guitar virtuoso Daniel Donato leads the band backed by Will “Mustang” McGee on bass, Nathan “Sugar Leg” Aronowitz on keys, and Will “Bronco” Clark on drums. The crowd was drawn in with the upbeat yet lyrically complex “Guilty Jubilee,” having made its live debut just days earlier.
From there, they dove headfirst into one of their signature improvisations, “Gotta Get Southbound,” with a lengthy jam chock full of dynamic grooves. The group’s take on the blues rock classic “Mystery Train” ignited a striking mid-set shift.
This exceptionally well-chosen cover perfectly displays the band’s versatile style, complex repertoire and cohesive instrumentation. Donato’s Telecaster licks locked in with Aronowitz’s powerful solos matched beautifully with the call and response nature of the song.
“Hangman’s Reel” closed the set, marking another defining, fast-paced cover highlighting their multidimensional abilities. McGee’s walking bass lines, Aronowitz’s colorful keys, Clark’s crisp drumming, and Donato’s soaring guitar, illuminated in this song and throughout their set, prove why they are on the map and living up to the hype.
Railroad Earth hit the stage ready to deliver a headlining set with their quintessential storytelling magic and wholesome jams. The band’s lineup for this show featured Todd Sheaffer (lead vocals and guitar), John Skehan (mandolin, keyboard and vocals), Carey Harmon (drums and vocals), Dave Speranza (upright and electric bass), and Mike Robinson (pedal steel, banjo, guitar and vocals).
Filling Tim Carbone’s big shoes, Jason Carter (formerly of the Del McCoury Band and The Travelin McCoury’s) shined with his masterful fiddle work and vocal contributions. Welcoming the audience with warmth, a sense of home was created from the first notes of their beloved classic, “Mighty River.”
The well-crafted setlist carried the night into a moving sequence of “The Cuckoo,” “Where Songs Begin” and “Fisherman’s Blues,” illustrating the intricate beauty and dynamic range of Railroad Earth’s artistry.
A tender yet complex development with their version of the old folk tune, “The Cuckoo” allowed for an intimate conversational flow between each member.
Sheaffer’s vocals took a vulnerable tone shift, layering warmth and longing into each of the ballads. “Where Songs Begin” allowed Robinson, Carter and Skehan space to shine.
Robinson’s pedal steel evoked with emotion bending and gliding over the melody with moments of jaw dropping virtuosity. Carter’s fiddle and Skehan’s mandolin solos were full of expression propelling the song forward. The bass, keys and drums added shimmering elements aiding in a seamless transition into “Fisherman’s Blues.”
The band’s collective brilliance was evident throughout the cover, producing one of the most elevated peaks of the show.
High hopes for a super jam came to fruition as Daniel Donato on electric guitar, Adam Ajila on acoustic guitar, and Jason Carter on fiddle joined Railroad Earth for the encore. They unleashed a first-time collaboration and tour debut of Waylon Jennings’ iconic “Lonesome, Ornery and Mean.”
Carter’s commanding fiddle and stand-out vocals added grit and conviction,Skehan’s mandolin brought diversity, and Robinson’s pedal steel intertwined beautifully with Donato’s style, giving the song its western flair.
The spirit of Jennings was honored while transforming the classic into something uniquely their own, lifting the audience into honky-tonk heaven.
“Ruben’s Train” followed with additional YMSB members, Piccininni on mandolin and Smith on fiddle. Skehan and Piccininni traded rapid mandolin lines in a thrilling duel, while Robinson’s banjo and lead vocals added extra twang and Appalachian spirit. Duo mandolins and fiddles drove the old-time favorite forward.
To cap it all, the ensemble flowed into “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo,” blending their collective talents into a joyful, multilayered tribute to the Grateful Dead.
Together, under the Yonder Cosmic Railroad Summer Jubilee, these three bands proved their synergy is something rare and remarkable.
Their kindred spirits radiated through every note, bridging young and old, tradition and innovation. An experience like this reminds us that great music doesn’t just entertain–it unites generations, fosters connection, instills hope, and transcends boundaries.
What unfolded in Asheville wasn’t just another concert–it was a celebration of the timeless power of music, on a night nothing short of legendary.
Upcoming shows:
Sep 6, 2025
Perinton Center Park Amphitheater
Fairport, NY
Co. with Yonder Mountain String Band and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Sep 7, 2025
Stage AE
Pittsburgh, PA
Co. with Yonder Mountain String band and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
Full Gallery by Robert Andries III Photography
After Midnight 
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