Montana bluegrass veterans The Lil Smokies have abruptly canceled a spring tour just as they are about to release new music.
The band will play three last shows in Colorado, including an April 3 date at 10 Mile Music Hall in Frisco. Their latest studio album, “Break of the Tide,” goes on sale April 4.
Not joining them in Colorado is frontman Andy Dunnigan.
“Andy is taking a leave due to personal health reasons,” the band says in a statement. “We kindly request that you join us in extending our collective love and support to him during this time.”
Filling in for Dunnigan on dobro is Dylan Flynn, of the Dead Poets. Flynn stays with The Lil Smokies for the rest of their Colorado dates at The Ogden in Denver on April 4 and Washington’s in Fort Collins on April 5.
“Following these shows, we will be taking a moment to reflect and plan for the future but will be canceling all upcoming performances,” the band continues. “While the path ahead remains uncertain, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our musical journey and the community that has sustained us.”
The rest of the band – bassist Jean Luc Davis, banjo player Sam Armstrong Zickefoose, lead guitarist Matthew Rieger, fiddler Jake Simpson – hopes to end on a high note, saying, “These performances will also serve as a heartfelt tribute to our time in Colorado and our last shows for the foreseeable future. We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the cherished memories we have created together.”