Balsam Range
Asheville, NC — One of the area’s most beloved and authentic cultural traditions, Shindig on the Green presents “A Celebration of Mountain Traditions” annual fundraiser with headliner Balsam Range plus Laura Boosinger and Bobby Hicks and the Cole Mountain Cloggers at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the historic Colonial Theatre in downtown Canton, NC. for an evening of traditional old-time music and dance.
The March 20th “Celebration of Mountain Traditions” fundraiser is a key element in securing necessary funding for the free and beloved Shindig on the Green summer Saturday evenings in Asheville. After a four-year relocation to make way for the new park construction, Shindig returns to its original location this summer in the heart of downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park’s Roger McGuire Green, on the new Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage. Dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the region’s rich cultural heritage, Shindig on the Green’s 44th summer season is scheduled for July 3, 10, 17, 31; August 14, 21, 28; and September 4.
Over 30,000 people attend Shindig on the Green for free throughout the summer. While the crowds of locals and visitors at Shindig have grown over the years for the free evenings, so have the costs. Additionally the logistical support provided by the City of Asheville has been significantly reduced due to budget cuts.
The Folk Heritage Committee initiated the spring concert fundraiser six years ago in order to raise necessary funds in advance of Shindig’s annual kick-off. The non-profit Folk Heritage Committee must raise funds to cover the sharply rising costs at Shindig on the Green for goods and services such as security, sound equipment and technicians.
The March concert has a $6000 monetary goal, with all of those funds needed to help cover the “free” Shindig’s very real operating costs, which average $6,000 an evening. The Folk Heritage Committee’s produces Shindig on the Green and the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in order to support the preservation and continuation of the traditional music, dance and storytelling heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
About Balsam Range
Five friends, all from Haywood County, NC, and each individually successful in the music industry, formed Balsam Range, a band that plays a variety of Americana, Roots, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, and hard driving Bluegrass. Balsam Range’s sound is influenced by the traditions of the Appalachian Mountains, and accented by the respective genres they all have had successes in. With inventive arrangements and pure vocals, this diverse, and well rounded veteran group of entertainers is known as Balsam Range.
Tim Surrett is the acoustic bassist, resophonic guitarist and vocalist for Balsam Range. Tim is also featured several times a year with Don Rigsby and Larry Cordle as a part of “America’s Bluegrass Band”, and occasionally performs with the Tony Rice Unit. Tim previously spent 10 years as a vocalist and instrumentalist with The Kingsmen, a gospel quartet, and 6 years with the Isaacs.
Grammy award winning, Marc Pruett, known for his “three finger roll”, has influenced several banjo players across the world. Most notably, Marc traveled for 3 and half years as banjoist with Ricky Skaggs. Marc played on 5 of Ricky Skaggs projects, and won a Grammy for playing on the famed “Bluegrass Rules” album.
Buddy Melton is known for his smooth and equally as strong tenor voice, most notably on “Blue Mountain” on the group’s freshman CD. Buddy plays fiddle and acoustic bass for Balsam Range. He was a member of gospel bluegrass group Rock Springs Reunion and after leaving the group, he settled into a Nashville based band, Jubal Foster. Buddy released his first solo bluegrass project which features Tony Rice, Adam Steffey, and bandmates Tim Surrett and Marc Pruett.
Darren Nicholson plays mandolin and is a vocalist in the band. He toured with Rounder Recording artist Alecia Nugent as a full time member. Nicholson has toured with Audie Blaylock and Redline, Hazel Creek, and the Crowe Brothers, and has performed around the world.
Caleb Smith is known for his powerful vocals, and proficient acoustic guitar style. In 2002 Caleb was influential in starting the bluegrass gospel band Harvest. In 2006 Caleb was the recipient of both male vocalist and guitar player of the year for the Power Grass Music Awards.