The star-studded “What The Night Brings” event took place on Nov. 4 in Colorado, bringing together some of the most well-known acts the bluegrass and jam scene to honor the legacy of late mandolinist Jeff Austin.

Originally, the show was set to take place at Denver’s Mission Ballroom, but due to an overwhelming demand for tickets it was moved to the substantially-larger 1stBank Center.

Acts on the bill included Bill Nershi and Keith Moseley of SCI, Keller Williams, Austin’s 30db bandmate Brendan Bayliss, Billy Strings, Greensky Bluegrass, The Travelin’ McCourys, Hot Rize and many more.

Of course, Austin’s former outfit Yonder Mountain String Band were also there to honor their fallen friend.

“Thank you so much for being here,” YMSB co-founder/bassist Ben Kaufmann told the crowd.

“We’d like to begin with his most famous number, and it’s a damn good song,” Kaufmann added before adding launching into an emotional rendition of Austin’s “Half Moon Rising,” which appeared on the band’s 1999 debut Elevation and is considered by many to be Austin’s signature tune.

Watch YMSB sing “Half Moon Rising” (via YouTuber Kyle Isaac) and check out the show’s full setlist below.

For a full “What The Night Brings” photo gallery by Jay Blakesberg click here.

If you would like to make a contribution to help Jeff Austin’s family, please click here.

What The Night Brings – A Tribute to Jeff Austin
Nov. 4, 2019
1stBank Center, Broomfield, Colo.


Set I:
Take Me Out to the Ball Game “Go Cubs” (Albert Von Tilzer) – Sam Bush, Billy Strings, Noah Pikelny (Punch Bros), Greg Garrison

Steep grades, Sharp curves (YMSB) – Jean Luc Davis, Mimi Naja (Fruition), Kyle Tuttle, Julian Davis

Soundcheck Jam – Keller Williams, Keith Moseley

New Horizons- Keller Williams, Keith Moseley

Troubled Times – Leftover Salmon

The Boatman’s Dance – Leftover Salmon

Cuckoo’s Nest – Infamous Stringdusters

Rise Sun – Infamous Stringdusters

Peace of Mind – Greensky Bluegrass

To Say Goodbye, To Be Forgiven- Greensky Bluegrass

Sailin Shoes – Sam Bush, Anders Beck

Up on Cripple Creek – Greg Garrison, Carey Harmon (RRE), Jeremy Garrett (ISD), Noam Pikelny, Billy Strings, Sam Bush, Anders Beck (Greensky)

Set II:
Sideshow Blues – Todd Snider

Backfire – Brendan Bayliss (UM), Cody Dickinson (NMA) , Nick Forster (Hot Rize)

Susanah – Brendan Bayliss (UM), Cody Dickinson (NMA), Nick Forster ( Hot Rize)

Restless Wind – Bill Nershi (SCI), Keith Moseley (SCI) Andy Hall (ISD), Jeremy Garrett (ISD), Chris Pandolfi (ISD)

Sorrow is a Highway – Noam Pikelny (Punch Bros), Billy Strings, Mimi Naja (Fruition), Travis Book (ISD)

Your Light Leads me On – Hot Rize

High on a Mountain – Hot Rize

Half Moon Rising – YMSB

Keep on Going – YMSB

Ramblin’ In The Rambler – YMSB w/ Vince Herman (Leftover Salmon)

Jager Shot with all members of the show – Cheers Jeff!

That’s Where I Belong – Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton

Passin’ Thru – The Travelin’ Mccourys

Things in Life – The Travelin’ Mccourys

Even Fade – Railroad Earth

What the Night Brings – Railroad Earth w/ Kyle Tuttle

No Expectations – Entire Show Ensemble