Bluegrass legend comes to Glenville
Americana/bluegrass artist Darren Nicholson will hit the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Happ’s Place in Glenville.
Folded: chronicling the closure of Pactiv Evergreen’s Canton paper mill
History will whisper through the mountain mists that once upon a time, Pactiv Evergreen’s paper mill in Canton stood as a symbol of industry and economic prosperity for generations. But behind its towering façade, the specter of mismanagement and malfeasance eventually led to a botched closing announcement, a health care coverage crisis and more than a thousand workers helplessly watching their good-paying jobs evaporate like morning dew in the midday summer sun.
That mountain sound: 'An Appalachian Evening' celebrates 25 years
Celebrating a quarter-century this coming summer, the “An Appalachian Evening” live music series at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville brings in some of the biggest names in bluegrass, old-time, mountain and Americana music.
Litmus test of a community: A look back at the arts in WNC 2022
As it has been stated in this publication many times before, the litmus test of the strength of a community is by how strongly its arts is supported.
Brotherhood and backwoods tradition: A retrospective on Balsam Range
Writers’ Note: Since I started in the position of arts and entertainment editor at The Smoky Mountain News in 2012, I’ve been able to dive deep into the legend and lore of bluegrass sensation Balsam Range.
The next chapter: Balsam Range celebrates 15 years, looks ahead
In a year that’ll surely end on a bittersweet note, beloved Haywood County bluegrass sensation Balsam Range is not only celebrating 15 years together, the band is also saying goodbye to one of its founding members, mandolinist Darren Nicholson.
Man on a mission: Darren Nicholson on new album, new chapter
On his way from performing at a Sunday church service in Highlands to an afternoon gig at Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg, Darren Nicholson pulled over somewhere outside of Cherokee, right where there was enough cell service to conduct a phone interview.
Benefit showcases Canton's 'Grit and Grace'
Multi award-winning bluegrass supergroup Balsam Range (who are also Haywood County locals) appeared in Canton’s Sorrells Street Park on Saturday, Oct. 2 to show the world what “Grit and Grace” really means – it’s not just the title of their recent hit song, it’s also a way of life for many in this blue-collar mill town.
Rivers, rains and runaway trains: Tim Surrett of Balsam Range
In its 14 years together, Haywood County’s own Balsam Range has risen into the upper echelon as one of the marquee acts in the national and international bluegrass scene — this once in a generation blend of songbird harmonies and lightning fast finger pickin’.
Rivers, rains and runaway trains: Tim Surrett of Balsam Range
In its 14 years together, Haywood County’s own Balsam Range has risen into the upper echelon as one of the marquee acts in the national and international bluegrass scene — this once in a generation blend of songbird harmonies and lightning fast finger pickin’.