Balsam’s Range 9th Annual Art of Music Festival
Balsam Range with Atlanta Pops Ensemble at the 2025 Art of Music Festival – photo © Ashley Evans Balsam Range hosted their 9th annual Art of Music Festival December 4-6, held at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center in Lake Junaluska, amidst the mountains of western North Carolina. They always bring top artists to town for […]
Them’s Fightin’ Words! Feud re-erupts among bluegrass stars
What began as a harmless case of missing snacks has now escalated into what experts are calling “the most Appalachian feud since the Hatfields and McCoys switched to decaf.” The self-proclaimed “music phenomenon” known as The Cleverlys, along with Darren Nicholson of The Darren Nicholson Band and Caleb Smith of Balsam Range, are once again […]
Virginia Girl drops for Balsam Range
It’s been oft remarked of Balsam Range that one of their great strengths is the number of lead vocalists in the band. True, they recently lost Darren Nicholson and Buddy Melton, but gained Alan Bibey and Don Rigsby. Their latest single, Virginia Girl, features founding guitarist Caleb Smith, who both wrote and sings this song, […]
The Pacific from Balsam Range
Balsam Range has always been able to offer a wide range of sounds within one act, with a number of lead singers and songwriters in the band. For that reason, it has been tough to easily categorize them into a specific style, plus it gives them the ability to appeal to a large audience. For […]
Top artists to Advance Artist Support
Mandy Tenery, owner and chief agent with Advance Artist Support, is pleased to announce new associations with Balsam Range and Darin & Brooke Aldridge for artist representation. Both are major bluegrass headliners, joining a roster already rich with bluegrass talent. Brian Smith with Leadership Artists will continue his management role with Darin & Brooke. Advance […]
When It Comes To Loving You from Balsam Range
For many years, Balsam Range was notable for having maintained its founding members across two decades. The guys not only made wonderful music together, they were also great friends who enjoyed each other’s company. And album after album, radio, critics, and fans loved what they created. Things changed in March of 2023 when Alan Bibey […]
Don Rigsby to tour with Balsam Range in 2025
Following the recent departure of founding fiddler and vocalist Buddy Melton, Balsam Range has announced that bluegrass veteran Don Rigsby will be touring with them during the 2025 season. Don has been involved in bluegrass since he was just a tyke, learning to sing Ralph Stanley songs at the age of five. The very epitome […]
Buddy Melton departing Balsam Range
Buddy Melton, fiddler, vocalist, and founding member of perennial bluegrass headliners Balsam Range, has announced his departure from the group. Since the band’s founding in 2007 by five friends living in Haywood County, NC – just west of Asheville – Melton has been a critical creative force in the band, and probably their most recognizable […]
Tim Surrett and Papertown Roots Radio
A whole lot of us picked up new hobbies or pastimes during the pandemic shutdowns starting in 2020. Everyone was stuck at home, and we weren’t allowed to visit our favorite haunts. Some folks learned to cook, or garden, while others picked up musical instruments or other creative or artistic pursuits. Bluegrass artists weren’t immune […]
John Holder departs Balsam Range
John Holder at a Balsam Range show – photo © Mike Duncan After 10 years, John Holder is stepping down as full time sound man for Balsam Range. “After much deliberation and prayer, I made a decision to turn in my notice to Balsam Range. They’re all dear friends and it was a very difficult […]
