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
2 Comments comments associated with this post
Craig
November 5, 2019 at 4:43 pmI feel like a lot of youngsters got there first Hot Rize taste last night. I hope they get juice from this and maybe run a tour. Great stuff.
Ray
November 5, 2019 at 1:24 pmWhat a great night of music and a great tribute to Jeff – he will be missed