I happened to catch this shard of news on BT the other day... the AK&US tour has been extended into 2026, and with a substitution at the utility spot that Stuart Duncan was holding. https://bluegrasstoday.com/jacob-burleson-to-akus-for-2026-tour/

Opening night in Durham, NC. Al and the boys sounded sharp. Jacob Burleson is on mandolin and backup guitar this year. (he's a monster)



Alison introduces him here:

Al and the Boys on the main stage at Merlefest a couple weeks ago... Jerry's "Choctaw Hayride".



Jacob absolutely blisters what used to be Dan's guitar solo on mandolin at about 1:53. I don't blame Russell for passing on that one... let the kid have it! I'm sure I'm not the first to think this either, but he sounds a LOT like Adam Steffey over there.

I hate to hear this. Hope for a speedy and full recovery. 

https://bluegrasstoday.com/alison-krauss-cancels-remaining-2026-tour-with-union-station/

Yeah, that's awful - but I'm all for preserving that voice!

Peter