featuring Eric Thorin & Nick Forster with PATRICK DETHLEFS: Jeff Austin is a member of Yonder Mountain String Band. Be sure to check out www.yondermountain.com and sign up for the mailing list so you can keep up with all the band news and updates... Jeff was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois and grew up in nearby Elk Grove. Jeff spent his college studies at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where he specialized in musical theater, voice, and dance theater. As fate would have it, he met Dave Johnston and was asked to sing in The Bluegrassholes even though he had no bluegrass experience and played no instrument. When Jeff disclosed that he owned a mandolin, Dave told him to bring it along with the following advice:"Play anything,just play fast and loud." That was in 1996 and obviously Jeff is no stranger to the mandolin now! He studied by ear and points to Roland White, John Duffy, Sam Bush, and David Grisman as influences. It's all about inspiration and listening, Jeff says. His goal is to take music where it has never gone before. "If we can put out enough energy to sustain a crowd without drums, and show them they can still dance their asses off, well, we've achieved our goal. .. Jeff uses J75 D'Addario Mandolin/Phosphor Bronze- Med/Heavy Strings... Jeff Austin Mandolin, Vocals