Nicholson to bring bluegrass, Americana to WCU
Award-winning mandolinist Darren Nicholson of Balsam Range will perform with his solo band as part of the First Thursday concert series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.
Nicholson is a musician from Jackson County. A Grammy nominee, he is also a recipient of two International Bluegrass Music Association awards with Balsam Range, including Album of the Year (2013) and Entertainer of the Year (2014). He has appeared countless times on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry, CMT and GAC. The Darren Nicholson Band also consists of three-time Grammy nominee Steve Sutton (banjo), Kevin Sluder (bass), Jeff Smith (percussion) and Griff Martin (guitar).
The concert will last an hour and will be followed by an open jam session during which traditional musicians of all skill levels are invited to participate.
The First Thursday series of concerts and open jams include some of the region’s best old-time and bluegrass musicians. The events align with “North Carolina: Our State, Our Time” programs given across WCU that explore historical, social and cultural impacts that have shaped the state.
Free.
