Yonder Mountain String Band bassist Ben Kaufmann returned to the road on Saturday night after missing a few shows due to the birth of his baby. In a formal return announcement, Kaufmann said, “Hi kinfolk! I have to say that in the last week my heart has been blown wide open. We have a beautiful baby boy. The birth was a bit more challenging than we expected and both momma and baby were needing a lot more rest and attention than I planned. I want to extend my deepest thanks to you all for allowing me this chance to bond with my son and make sure Cheyanna is well and truly on the mend. A great big high five to Travis for lending his talent and energy to the shows. Long story short… I’m baaaack! Love, Ben.”

As previously reported, Infamous Stringdusters bassist Travis Book subbed for Kaufmann while he was off the road. In addition, Friday night at Nashville, TN’s Marathon Music Works, Stringdusters’ dobro wiz Andy Hall sat in with Yonder throughout their entire first set while Stringdusters fiddler Jeremy Garrett joined the group for their entire second set. Bassist Bryn Davies, who has worked with Patti Griffin and many others, a;sp emerged near the end of Yonder’s first set for “One More” and “Steep Grade Sharp Curves.” At the end of Yonder’s show, the entire Infamous Stringdusters band—who opened the gig—appeared on “Death Trip,” “Freeborn Man” “Wheelhoss” and “Freeborn Man.”

Kaufmann performed with Yonder at Atlanta’s Tabernacle, with the Stringdusters once again supplying opening duties. The band also sat in for a two song encore consisting of “My Gal” and “Up On The Hill Where They Do The Boogie.” The collaborations continued on Sunday night at Birmingham, AL’s Workplay. During that show, both Hall and Garrett sat in with Yonder during their entire first set. Then at the end of the group’s first set the rest of the Stringdusters returned to the stage for “Come Together” and “Going Where They Do Not Know My Name.”