Hartamophone Posted June 22, 2019 Report Share Posted June 22, 2019 (edited) Lots of rumours flying around this morning that Jeff Austin, former mandolin player and frontman of Yonder Mountain String Band, took his own life last night. No confirmation either way at this point, but the longer his camp is silent, the worse it looks. Sending thoughts to everyone close to him. Edit: I changed the title of the thread to reflect that he has not passed away. Edited June 25, 2019 by Hartamophone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted June 22, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2019 Now there’s a post attributed to him on his official FB page saying he has to cancel upcoming tour dates because of a “medical emergency.” Whatever’s going on, it’s not good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booche Posted June 23, 2019 Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 (edited) Phantasy Tour has been all over him for a while. A long while. Something doesnt seem right (?) but I certainly hope he is ok. That guy slays. Edited June 23, 2019 by Booche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted June 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 Yonder played the main stage at Telluride yesterday. They played “Half Moon Rising,” which was the first song on their first album and went out of rotation when Jeff left the band. Here’s what a tearful Ben Kaufmann said when introducing it: Twenty years ago me, Dave and Adam and Jeff Austin stood on this stage and we shared our music with you for the first time. We woke up today and the internet was on fire with rumors and speculation about our brother Jeff Austin. And what we can say is that he is still with us. What is appropriate right now: if you’re a prayer, send prayers his way. If you’re a lover, send love his way. If you’re a healer, send energy his way. This is what we’re going to send his way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted June 23, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2019 (edited) Link to the audio from yesterday’s Yonder show. Ben’s words about Jeff are at the end of “High on a Hilltop”: https://archive.org/details/ymsb2019-06-22.koto.org.128kbps.digihoarders Edited June 23, 2019 by Hartamophone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted June 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2019 (edited) There’s now a fundraising site: https://sweetrelief.org/jeff-austin-fund/ Quote Friends- Thanks for your care and concern over the past days. Your outpouring of support is genuinely appreciated. Know that when Jeff and his family are prepared to detail any news, you’ll be able to find that here, and on Jeff’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JeffAustinOfficial/ What we can share at this time, is that Jeff is in Seattle with his family, receiving the best care possible. Please consider showing your support, and love by contributing to his medical fund. Thanks very much. Much love to all. https://sweetrelief.org/jeff-austin-fund/ Edited June 24, 2019 by Hartamophone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted June 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2019 Ugh. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved family member, mandolinist, singer, songwriter and founder of The Jeff Austin Band, and Yonder Mountain String Band, Jeff Austin. Austin passed away June 24, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. He was son of Eileen Austin, husband to Devlyn, and father to Lily Rose (12), Penelope (5), and Jude Patrick (2). He was a dear friend whose music touched the lives of so many, and will be sorely missed. If you would like to make a contribution to help his family, please visit https://sweetrelief.org/jeff-austin-fund/. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bONES Posted June 25, 2019 Report Share Posted June 25, 2019 Dang !! I got to meet Jeff back in 2002 while touring with the JamGrass festival. I drank a bunch of whiskey with those boys (YMSB), and I loved their sets. Very sad news. RIP Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edger Posted June 25, 2019 Report Share Posted June 25, 2019 Jesus...and with three young kids at home. That is devastating. Very sad. I can't imagine having to lose someone that way with rumours and comments flying around. I hope all involved find their peace somehow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted June 25, 2019 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c-towns Posted June 26, 2019 Report Share Posted June 26, 2019 Sad news Track 2 on is a good listen. https://archive.org/details/ymsb00-05-28.shnf/ymsb00-05-28d1/ymsb00-05-28d1t02.shn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edger Posted July 30, 2019 Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 This should be a great night of tribute....too far away but nonetheless https://www.axs.com/events/379390/what-the-night-brings-tickets Artists include: Bill Nershi, Billy Strings, Brendan Bayliss, Greensky Bluegrass, Hot Rize, The Infamous Stringdusters, Keith Moseley, Keller Williams, Leftover Salmon (Acoustic), Members of the Jeff Austin Band, Mimi Naja, Kyle Tuttle, Jean-Luc Davis, Julian Davis, Railroad Earth, The Travelin’ McCourys, Yonder Mountain String Band and more! Davey Boy 2.0 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hartamophone Posted July 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 Yowza. Quite a lineup. Sure to be a memorable night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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