Since I started as the arts and entertainment editor here at The Smoky Mountain News some 14 years ago, I’ve been able to dive deep into the legend and lore of bluegrass sensation Balsam Range, our “local boys done good,” as they say. The quintet was my first assignment for this newspaper — I covered the “Papertown” album release party at the Colonial Theatre in Canton on Aug. 10, 2012 — they were also the first actual friends I made in Haywood County and greater Western North Carolina.
Not only has the group become musical heroes in their own right, but also they remain a pillar of the genuine compassion and inclusive nature at the heart of folks here in Southern Appalachia. And with that, we’re quickly approaching two huge milestones for Balsam Range; They’ll have spent 20 years together as a band in January 2027 (the initial jam session happened around Christmas 2006), with the official kickoff celebration taking place at the upcoming Art of Music Festival, which will also mark its 10th anniversary. The event will take place Dec. 3-5 at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center.