Celebrating an incredible 18 years together, bluegrass powerhouse Balsam Range is finishing 2025 strong with fresh energy, new music, and a tour that reaffirms why the band stands as one of the most decorated acts in bluegrass history.
Balsam Range will take the CoMMA stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21.Â
The band — Caleb Smith (guitar, vocals), Tim Surrett (bass, dobro, vocals), Alan Bibey (mandolin, vocals), Marc Pruett (banjo), and special guest Don Risby (fiddle, vocals) — continues to push the boundaries of traditional bluegrass while staying true to the heartfelt storytelling and instrumental mastery that first put them on the map.
Formed by happenstance in 2007 during a humble kitchen jam in the rolling hills of Western North Carolina, Balsam Range quickly evolved from a local pickin’ session into one of bluegrass music’s leading forces. Over nearly two decades, the band has collected a staggering list of International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honors — including Entertainer of the Year (2014, 2018), Album of the Year (2013, 2017), Song of the Year (2011, 2015), Vocal Group of the Year (2014, 2015), and multiple individual awards.
With 14 acclaimed albums and countless chart-topping singles, Balsam Range’s legacy is defined not just by accolades, but also by connection. Whether performing in majestic theaters or at intimate backwoods gatherings, their mission remains the same: to create a genuine bond with every audience through the sacred, timeless act of live performance.
Tickets are available now, priced at $18 to $48 for adults and $10 for youth (plus sales tax). For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the CoMMA box office at 828-433-7469 or visit www.commaonline.org.
Amber Austin is the events manager for CoMMA Performing Arts Center in Morganton.Â
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