Penn's Peak - Jim Thorpe, PA (July 15, 2012)

written by Annie Katz

As we pulled in to Penn’s Peak, aka “Yonderland”, a mini Shakedown Street was already in full swing.  Dark clouds hovered and an incredible thunder, lightening, and rain storm rolled in.  The small line of early birds at the door soon swelled as Yonderland was drenched.  

The usual Peak suspects were at the rail; the Katz Krew, Kurt, Polar Bear, Cinta, Tom, Jim, Andrea, Nick, and Maryann.  Finally, it was show time.  The band entered, and everyone was quick to notice Jeff sporting a moustache.  From the "Death Trip" opener, to the end of the set sandwich of "Oklahoma"> "After Midnight"> "Oklahoma" the band and fans brought it on.  There was Ben’s smooth vocals on "Straight Line", a newer song heard for the first time by many, and "Redbird", always a crowd favorite that didn’t disappoint.

Photo courtesy of Jim Andrews

Second set opened with "Ramblin' in the Rambler" into "New Speedway Boogie", where Adam had the crowd going.  Ben donned the electric bass for "Just Like Old Times". The hot leads of Jeff, Adam, and Dave in "Northern Song" were a perfect segue in to Jeff’s intense "King Ebeneezer"> "Ruby" set closer.  The band returned for an encore of "Sometimes I’ve Won", and the old favorite, "Hill Country Girl".

Kurt must have had a copy of the set list prior to the show, because he was calling songs all night.  It was a great night sharing great music with Kinfolk old and new.

What I am left with at the end of every Yonder show is THIS BAND MAKES ME HAPPY.  From looking at the crowd, Yonder makes everybody else happy too!


Written by Annie Katz, photographs by Pati Bobeck

Yonder Mountain String Band 7/15/12 Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA Click below to preview tracks from this show DOWNLOAD THIS SHOW