Yonder Mountain String Band bass player Ben Kaufmann who did not join the group on Jam Cruise, will remain off the road for the near future to spend time with his father who has been diagnosed with Stage IV brain cancer. In a moving letter on the band’s web site, Kaufmann credits the role of his dad in his own musical education, ‘When I was very young, my father first encouraged me to develop a relationship with music. He is a musician himself and has played everything from Big Band jazz to 70’s rock and roll. I hope to put some of his music up on the web site so you can all get to know him a little better.’

Gene Libbea & Bryn Bright will tour with the band this coming month, as Kaufmann adds, ‘If there’s one thing I know, it’s very hard to derail the Yonder Mountain Express. I also know that as soon as I possibly can, I’ll be back playing all of the low notes for Jeff, Dave, and Adam. In the meantime, you’ll get to meet some wonderful bass players. I ask that you show them your love and support in this difficult time. I also ask that you keep my family in your prayers. And if you have a spare moment, please send a good thought to my father. For those of you who have met my father, either at a Kinfolk show or at the String Summit, I ask you to remember him as he was: a big man with a big smile who was the first to help me truly understand just how rare and special the Yonder Mountain String Band is.’