Photo Credit: Emily Butler

Allie Kral has announced her departure from Yonder Mountain String Band. The fiddler/vocalist shared the news with fans and followers via social media, citing the need for more time spent with relatives and an increased focus on mental health and wellness. Her decision was backed by her former bandmates, who released their own statement in tandem with Kral’s news.

Kral wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you my time with Yonder has come to an end.” She provided the reasons behind the decision, adding, “I need to focus more on my family and my mental health and wellness. The touring life is both magical and challenging in the best of times, and being able to continue at my own pace will support me in this.”

She added, “I’m unbelievably thankful for all the opportunities, and fond memories, my Yonder family and Kinfolk have given me over the past 8 years! I sincerely love you all whole-heartedly!” Then, Kral concluded: “I promise to remind whomever comes in to play all the David Gilmour licks, and to laugh at all of Ben’s jokes!”

In a separate statement shared by Kral’s former Yonder Mountain String Band bandmates, they shared: “[Allie] is our sister, we love her and we support her in her decision to prioritize her family and her mental health. We look forward to playing music in the future together when the opportunities are there. We wish her the very best!”

The band established the trajectory of their forthcoming tour, they wrote, “We will have a rotating lineup of special guests joining us the remainder of the year. First up is our good friend Jake Simpson from the amazing band The Lil Smokies.” 

Yonder Mountain String Band also shared that Simpson will join the band on tour beginning on August 17 in Portsmouth, N.H., and will remain on the road for nine stops, ending on Sept. 3 in Pagosa Springs, Colo. They also added, “Stay tuned for more special guest announcements.” 

See the social media posts shared by Kral and Yonder Mountain String Band below.