Kyle Ray’s Bluegrass Blast with Allie Kral at Point Labadie Brewery

Hey, it’s Kyle Ray, your St. Louis drummer, and I’ve got a story from this past summer that still has me buzzing. I had the incredible chance to play with Allie Kral—formerly of Yonder Mountain String Band—at Point Labadie Brewery in Labadie, Missouri. It was my first time meeting her, but her fiddle playing was unreal. I’d seen her light up the stage with Yonder Mountain a few years back, so jamming with her on this gorgeous summer day, alongside my good friend Ryan Kemp and a killer crew of musicians, was an absolute thrill.

The Setup at Point Labadie

Imagine a hillside packed with chairs, a solid crowd stretched out in front of the stage, and the warm Missouri sun overhead. Point Labadie Brewery, just outside St. Louis, was the spot, and we had the audience hooked for hours that afternoon. It was the kind of day where the music flowed as freely as the craft beer, and the vibe was pure summer bliss. With Ryan Kemp pulling the strings to make this gig happen, we were set for something special.

Chasing the Bluegrass Train

We dove into bluegrass classics that tested my drumming chops—tunes like “White Freight Liner,” which hits like a runaway locomotive. Allie’s fiddle was a force, cutting through the mix with speed and soul, and I had to stay sharp to keep up. Having watched her with Yonder Mountain String Band years ago, I knew she was a powerhouse, but playing with her live was a whole new rush. Her energy pushed me to lock in tight, and it felt like we were flying.

“Jolene” Gets a Wild Twist

The highlight? Our take on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” We didn’t play it safe—oh no. The jam section stretched out to five minutes, dipping into a bossa nova Latin groove that had heads turning. Then we cranked it back up, landing on a four-on-the-floor disco beat that echoed our high-octane start. Allie’s fiddle wove magic over Ryan Kemp’s steady rhythm, and I got to throw down some grooves that blended bluegrass roots with a fresh twist. The crowd was all in, riding the wave of our wild rendition.

Ryan Kemp: The Connector

This whole gig came together thanks to my buddy Ryan Kemp. He’s been a driving force behind so many big moments in my career, and I can’t thank him enough. Ryan’s got a gift for bringing the right people together, and this day at Point Labadie Brewery was proof. With him and a few other friends rounding out the lineup, we had the freedom to stretch out and play with no limits.

A St. Louis Drummer’s Summer Highlight

Playing with Allie Kral at Point Labadie Brewery was more than just a gig—it was a snapshot of why I love being a drummer in the St. Louis scene. The packed hillside, the blazing bluegrass, and that crazy “Jolene” jam made it a day to remember. Allie’s fiddle, Ryan’s vision, and the energy of that crowd all came together perfectly. Here’s to more days like that—where the music takes over and the beat just won’t quit.

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