Balsam Range is Buddy Melton (fiddle, lead and tenor vocals); Dr. Marc Pruett (banjo); Tim Surrett (bass, dobro, baritone and lead vocals); and Caleb Smith (guitar, lead & baritone vocals). The four original members are all acoustic musicians and singers from western North Carolina. They thoughtfully and respectfully adopted the name of a majestic range of mountains that surround part of their home county of Haywood, NC where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Blue Ridge, the Great Balsam Range.
The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range, has become one of the genre’s most award-winning acts. Since forming in 2007, the group has garnered 13 IBMA awards on the heels of 13 critically acclaimed albums. Balsam Range has left audiences spellbound while headlining major festivals from coast-to-coast, selling out venues across the nation and in multiple appearances at the Grand Ole Opry. The band collaborated with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble to record 2 albums, the second of which, Mountain Overture, debuted on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart at #5 and the Classical Crossover Chart at #6. Their album Mountain Voodoo debuted at #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart and remained on that chart for 45 weeks. Three singles from that album reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Chart, including “Blue Collar Dreams,” which spent three consecutive months at the top. The follow-up album, Aeonic debuted at #1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart and spent 46 total weeks on the chart. The album featured hit songs like “The Girl Who Invented The Wheel,” “Get Me Gone” and “Angel Too Soon.”
The band most recently claimed the #1 radio chart spots with their singles, “Richest Man,” “Grit and Grace,” “Rivers, Rains and Runaway Trains,” “Santa Barbara” and “Highway Side” all from their latest album (#13 for the band,) 2021’s Moxie and Mettle.
Event Date & Time
Friday, March 22, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Location
Oval Lawn
Price
Advance: $35 members/ $45 non-members (Includes admission for the day)
Day of Show: $50
Registration required
Please bring your own chair or blanket.
Buy Tickets Now
Advance Order Meals, Beverages & Snacks
Full Spring 2024 Concert Under the Stars Series Tickets:
$135 for members / $152 for non-members (includes admission all 4 days of the shows)
Buy Full Series Tickets Now
Saturday, February 17: Donavon Frankenreiter featuring Goodnight, Texas
Friday, March 22: Balsam Range
Friday, April 12: The Fitzgeralds
Friday, April 26: Unspoken Tradition
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring chairs or blankets?
Yes, chairs are not provided. We have removed the request for low chairs; however, we ask concert attendees to be kind to others and use standard lawn chairs. We also recommend mosquito repellent and flashlights.
Can I bring in food and beverages?
The Blue Palmetto Café is open with full menu including beer and wine. Attendees can also use our convenient pre-order option and food and beverage will be ready upon arrival. We do allow outside food and beverage for attendees with dietary restrictions or concerns.
Why are you not allowing attendees to bring in food or beverages?
As a non-profit organization, we depend heavily upon the revenues collected at our café, and for outdoor concerts to be sustainable, we must generate incremental revenue. We are grateful for our visitors’ financial support, and we look forward to growing our schedule.
Where is the Oval Lawn?
The Oval Lawn is located adjacent to the Visitor Center and across from the Pollinator Garden.
Can I bring my dog?
No, dogs are not permitted at the concerts.
How will you know I purchased a ticket and not just a guest with general admission?
All concert attendees will need to check-in at the Entrance Gate to receive their concert wristband. Staff will be circulating on the Oval Lawn checking wristbands before and during the concerts. Visitors without wristbands will be exited from the Gardens.
When can I enter?
The concert ticket includes general admission. Attendees may enter the Gardens at any time prior to the concert. We kindly ask concert attendees to begin setting up their chairs after the sound check at 5 p.m. The entrance gate will close at 8 p.m.
Can I arrive or depart with Uber or some other ride share service?
Yes, upon arrival ask the Bok Tower Gardens gate attendant for the gate code that can be texted to your driver.
What will be open?
The Shop at Bok closes at 7 p.m. The Blue Palmetto Café will be open until 8:15 p.m. The Visitor Center will be open until 9 p.m.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are available in the interior and exterior of the Visitor Center. Additional bathrooms are available at the Alexander Discovery Center.