_Photo by Stuart Levine_

Yonder Mountain String Band have announced that Allie Kral and Jacob Jolliff are now officially members of the group. The violinist and mandolinist have been touring with Yonder since the band parted ways with longtime mandolinist and frontman Jeff Austin last year, both contributed to the group’s sixth studio album Black Sheep (due on June 16).

Yonder Mountain String Band confirmed the news today via a post on their Facebook page thats reads:

Yonder is incredibly proud to officially announce that our line-up moving forward will feature violinist Allie Kral and mandolin virtuoso Jacob Jolliff. This solidifies Yonder as a 5-piece. We couldn’t be happier to share this exciting news, as Dave writes:

”Playing with Jake and Allie, working with them in the studio, and traveling with them has been a real blast,” says Dave Johnston. “I couldn’t have anticipated how they have simultaneously provided a host of great possibilities and potential for Yonder Mountain while at the same time fitting in with our vibe. They are truly part of our Yonder family and I welcome the days to come.”

”Just months ago, we were playing music for the first time together,” says Allie Kral. “We were getting to know one another and ‘testing the waters’ so to speak. What we found was that we have the dedication and the drive to practice all day long, the hearts to hang out together as friends, and the souls to play together on that stage. I’m equally blessed and humbled to become a member of Yonder Mountain String Band, and forever a Kinfolk.”

Jacob Jolliff adds, “It’s been such an honor and a privilege to perform with Yonder Mountain String Band for the last year. I’m so grateful to the band for the opportunity, and to the fans for being so welcoming. I’m excited to continue to spend time with these great people, and push each other to make better and better music!”

Yonder will join an all-star lineup for the sold-out Dear Jerry show this Thursday at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and kick off the festival season with shows Memorial Day weekend at The Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival in Axton, VA on May 23 and Summer Camp Music Festival in Chillicothe, IL on May 24. Black Sheep summer tour to follow, check the dates below, we’ll see you out there!