Songs From The Road Band

Asheville Summer Bluegrass will be like our annual Asheville Winter Bluegrass, but in the summer! We hope to have this show on our outdoor stage weather permitting! It will surely be a full day of celebrating Bluegrass Music in WNC. Songs From the Road Band Few bands stick around for multiple decades. No band has had more fun doing it in the last 18 years than Songs From The Road Band. They released their first studio album in 2006. The band captivates audiences with virtuosic picking, harmony singing, and grammy award winning songwriting. The band has always been willing to take risks while staying true to its bluegrass roots. From traditional bluegrass events to jam band concerts and from performing arts centers to world music festivals the Songs From The Road Band delivers. Their live show blends musical genres and appeals to all age groups of music lovers. Band members are Mark Schimick (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Sam Wharton (guitar), James Schlender (fiddle), and Gabe Epstein (banjo). Several of their songs have gone to the top of the Bluegrass charts. They have 6 studio albums available at all musical outlets. ​ “The Western North Carolina quintet is this band of melodic pirates, roaring down the highways and backroads of Southern Appalachia in search of a stage to play, perhaps another kindred spirit to collaborate with in the sacred art of songwriting and creating something (beautiful and permanent) from nothing (thin air and momentary inspiration).” ​ – GARRET K. WOODWARD, Smoky Mountain News (Nov 24, 2021) https://www.songsfromtheroadband.com/ The Darren Nicholson Band If you’re looking to be impressed, you will be – if you’re looking to make a friend, you already have. Darren Nicholson, who has played mountain music since his youth in Western North Carolina, is a high-caliber musician with substantial contributions to such acts as Alecia Nugent and Balsam Range. Yes, he’s a punchy mandolinist with instrumentation nods to Bill Monroe and Marty Stuart, but he’s also an introspective songwriter, technical harmony singer, convincing lead vocalist, and a man on a mission. Since going solo, Nicholson has persistently and earnestly invested in his shows, making each one a tailored experience. They are genuine, entertaining, and an extended handshake to the community. He’s accomplished this all while managing to retain the fun-witted and approachable character formed in his raising. The latest album, Wanderer, garnered critical acclaim and produced two #1 singles, and he’s also co-written hit songs for other artists, such as The Grascals’ “I Go” and “Just Let Me Know,” but Darren’s more interested in sharing raw, honest-to-goodness, quality music with his audience. Music that’s good for his soul and theirs too. “That’s all I want,” says Darren. “I want to be a positive part of other people’s lives with music, you know? I want to be an ambassador to roots music – tip my hat to the past while looking forward at the same time.” Darren assembles a variety of all star collaborations – but no matter the lineup there’s a journey to experience in every show. You feel the adrenaline of a quick number like “Sugar Creek Gap”, the gravity of a soul searcher like “Things Left Undone”, and the levity of his unpredictable antics. “This music was intended to be played in a way that adds joy to the community. All I want is to restore that purpose, not to complete a transaction.” He may not be focused on commercial success but his accomplishments have certainly earned recognition. Darren is the recipient of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, along with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina’s governor. He’s also a Grammy nominee. But he won’t talk your ear off about that – he barely agreed to let us put that (long) list on here. When you come out to a show, whatever you do, please come talk afterward. “I’m like Willie Nelson. ‘I don’t want fans, I want friends.’ It’s a communal thing.” Darren Nicholson. Homegrown. Whole Hearted. Music with a purpose. https://www.darrennicholson.net/