Yonder Mountain String Band to Perform at Free Event on Wednesday, September 13 

WHAT: First held in 2018, the Hops & Harvest Festival is the New York State Office of General Service’s annual send-off to summer. The family-friendly event features the highlights of New York’s harvest season with tasty beers crafted by some of the most innovative breweries in the state. There will also be an exciting lineup of bluegrass music, and vendors selling harvest- and fall-related foods and gifts, with all food vendors expected to have at least one New York State harvest-themed item on their menus. The event, which is free to attend, will also feature fun games the whole family can enjoy, including Giant Jenga, cornhole, and a pie-eating contest hosted by Steve Barnes of the Times Union with pies provided by Meredith’s Bread.

The Yonder Mountain String Band will appear on the Hops & Harvest Festival’s main stage this year, with additional performances by Sicard Hollow and Bees in the Barn.

Bluegrass music is currently experiencing widespread popularity among mainstream audiences, but transforming the vintage sound into music that could gain popular appeal didn’t happen overnight. At 25 years old, Yonder Mountain String Band continues to exist at the forefront of the progressive bluegrass scene as undeniable innovators and pioneers of the modern jamgrass movement. Blending bluegrass with elements of rock, alternative, psychedelic, and improvisational music, Yonder Mountain String Band brought their high-energy acoustic sound and light show into rock n’ roll settings with tremendous success, proving it was possible for a bluegrass band to not only exist but excel in a rock world, without drums. The inroads they made created opportunities for like-minded acoustic bands to perform at festivals, rock clubs, theaters, and stadiums previously considered off-limits for string bands. Yonder Mountain’s high-energy sound, compelling original music, and anything-goes attitude cultivated a spirit of collaborative improvisation that continues to fuel today’s progressive bluegrass and jamgrass scenes.

It is a testament to the legacy of Yonder Mountain String Band that their original songs and unique interpretations of covers are regularly performed by next-generation bands in the scene.

Yonder Mountain String Band celebrates their quarter-century mark with a Grammy Nomination for their 2022 release “Get Yourself Outside.” Band members Adam Aijala (guitar, vocals), Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals), and Nick Piccininni (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, vocals) co-wrote all tracks on the album over Zoom sessions when Covid shut down the music touring industry.

WHERE: Empire State Plaza, Albany

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13

Hops and Harvest Schedule 

Featured Beers and Ciders

Ithaca Flower Power – Enjoy the clover honey hue and tropical nose. Simultaneously punchy and soothing with a big body and a finish that boasts pineapple and grapefruit. Flower Power is hopped and dry-hopped five different times throughout the brewing and fermentation process.

Brown’s Cherry Razz – Amber Ale brewed with copious amounts of cherries and raspberries. If you're one of those who can't stand the heat, no need to get out of the kitchen, pair spicy food with Cherry Razz. This malt-forward amber ale will bring down the temperature and the acidity of the fruit also helps cut through that capsaicin.

Adirondack Lake George Cider Project – This cider is produced from a blend of 100 percent New York State McIntosh, Empire, Gala, and Spygold apples freshly picked and blended in a unique formula. It’s fermented in stainless steel with a dry chardonnay yeast and is naturally gluten-free.

Brown’s Oatmeal Stout – Engaging, dark, and bold, this ever-popular ode to the classic English stout earned Brown’s a prestigious World Beer Cup gold medal. It’s an easy-to-drink, rich, and silky-smooth glass of pure delicious indulgence.

Adirondack Bear Naked – A medium-bodied amber ale with a brilliant copper color. Top-fermenting ale yeast and a high proportion of imported Munich malt create a clean, crisp beer with a toasty and slightly fruity backbone.

Druther’s All In – This is a hoppy, American-style India pale ale. Amarillo and Centennial hops are the dominant varieties, with Horizon providing a strong yet smoothly bitter finish. German Vienna and Munich malts are there to provide balance.

Saranac Pumpkin – In celebration of the fall harvest, here's an autumn favorite that's as enjoyable as pumpkin pie. This hearty ale is brewed with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and vanilla. Look for a full body and amber color.

Wolf Hollow Oktoberfest – This fest-style beer is deep orange to dark amber in color. It features a rich, caramel malt profile with a super clean finish brewed in the Märzen style.

Indian Ladder Ciderdelic – This refreshing bright pink cider is full of aromas and flavors of fresh raspberries and tart apples.

Ommegang Rare Vos – This amber ale is styled after the smooth, drinkable beers popular in Belgian cafés. It pours a light copper hue, contrasting beautifully with a big, creamy white head. The nose offers orange blossoms and slight spice.

Participating Vendors include 

Sponsors of the event include DeCrescente Distribution Company, Renaissance Albany Hotel, Times Union, and 102.7 FM EQX.

Free parking will be available in the East Garage off Madison Avenue after 4 p.m. Paid parking is also available in the visitor lot beneath the Empire State Plaza.

For additional information and event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.