The multi-night performances and workshops have been a smash hit each year, drawing viewers from WNC and beyond.

“There’s no other situation where you can come and listen to music on this level and interact with the musicians,” said Tim Surrett of Balsam Range. “It’s fun for the group to be able to visit people who come to start the vacation with us.”

Balsam Range started in Haywood County in 2007 and has enjoyed national and international success year after year. The band is the pride of WNC, spreading the love of the mountains wherever they play. Balsam Range’s accolades include twice International Bluegrass Music Association Artist of the Year, Vocal Group of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Now in its 15th year, Balsam Range delights audiences with its five founding members: Buddy Melton, fiddle and lead tenor; Tim Surrett, double bass, dobro and vocals; Darren Nicholson, mandolin and vocals; Caleb Smith, guitar and vocals; and Marc Pruett, banjo.

Change is inevitable in the world of music. Nicholson’s recently announced departure to pursue a solo career is greeted with sadness by some fans of the band, but joy that Balsam Range continues to perform.

“This year’s Art of Music Festival opens a new chapter for Darren and for us,” Surrett said. “Balsam Range has lasted 15 years, and we will continue to do so.”

Nicholson’s performances during Art of Music will be his last as a member of the Balsam Range group.

“Darren’s departure is bittersweet for us, but I’m happy for him and the vision he has for his future,” Surrett said. “We want to give Darren a good start.”

On Thursday, December 1, the launch event honors the group’s 15th anniversary celebration throughout the year. Titled “An Evening with Balsam Range – 15 Years In The Making”, the evening will be a nostalgic look at the band, including fun stories from the band, as well as memorabilia from songwriters who influenced Balsam Range.

“The launch program will include songwriters who collectively have had a huge impact on Balsam Range and on my career,” Melton said.

Tickets are limited, as the band wants it to be an intimate occasion, to be held at Shackford Hall at Junaluska Lake.

On Friday, December 2, performances will include violin sensation Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, master musicians Sierra Hull and Justin Moses, followed by the hugely popular Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble with Balsam Range.

Those who have never seen violin phenom Michael Cleveland are in for a treat.

“Michael Cleveland plays at a different level than other fiddlers,” Melton said.

Cleveland and Flamekeeper won the 2019 GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album, and Cleveland won the IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year 12 times.

“Michael is ridiculously talented,” Surrett said. “It’s a joy to hear and a lot of fun.”

Next up will be Sierra Hull and Justin Moses, two master musicians at a young age. Hull is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 10 and performed at Carnegie Hall at age 12. Moses is the reigning IBMA Dobro Player of the Year, an honor he has received twice previously.

“Sierra and Justin blow people away in performances,” Surrett said. “There’s a ton of excitement to hear them play.”

Back by popular demand, the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble will light up the night with songs performed by Balsam Range, accompanied by a little Christmas music. The performance of the orchestra has become a staple of the festival.

On Saturday, December 3, music lovers will be thrilled with the return of last year’s husband and wife duo, Shannon Wright and Adam Wright.

“Adam is one of my favorite songwriters and he and Shannon bring a unique approach to music, which last year’s attendees loved,” Melton said.

Adam Wright is also the nephew of country music legend Alan Jackson.

The Travelin’ McCourys bring their progressive bluegrass to Art Of Music for the first time. An offshoot of legendary band Del McCoury, brothers Ronnie and Rob McCoury perform traditional bluegrass when playing with their dad Del, but on their own they play “a different slate than band Del,” Surrett said. “They are quite progressive.”

The Travelin’ McCourys have won numerous IBMA awards, as well as the 2019 GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album.

The festival will close with Balsam Range and a “dream team” of studio musicians.

“It’s a fun collaboration,” said Surrett, who has recorded with these musicians on several occasions.

It will be a spirited musical performance and a fitting start for Darren Nicholson’s final gig as a member of the Balsam Range.

Attendees with a Saturday night ticket can interact with the band and talk music on Saturday in smaller workshops, including a jam session with Balsam Range.

“Sitting in jam sessions is how I learned,” Melton said. “We are excited about the jam and the new showcase of young musicians.”

This year, the Saturday workshops will include a jam session with Balsam Range and the afternoon Youth Talent Showcase.

“It’s a great time for young people to learn bluegrass,” Surrett said. “Young people see today’s incredible performers like Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle and are motivated to take a fresh look at bluegrass.”

Workshops are free for Saturday night ticket holders, on a first-come, first-seated basis.

• Thursday, December 1: Launch of the “15 Years in the Making” event, an intimate evening of songs and stories, in honor of Balsam Range’s 15th anniversary; full group and key influencers. Separate ticket office; doors open 6 p.m., event 7 p.m. Shackford Hall, Lake Junaluska.

• Friday, December 2: Violin sensation Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper; Sierra Hull and Justin Moses; Balsam Range and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., performance at 7 p.m. Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska.

• Saturday 3 December: Singer-songwriters Shannon and Adam Wright; the bluegrass sensations of the Travelin’ McCourys; Balsam Range with the studio musicians dream team. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., performance at 7 p.m. Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska.

• Workshops/ showcases: Held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. Songwriting with Milan Miller and Adam Wright; Full group Balsam Range workshop, then organized jam (bring instruments); instrument building with Caleb Smith; “Songs for Your Saturday Afternoon” Showcase with Missy Armstrong and Milan Miller; Showcase of young talents — “the future of bluegrass music” — organized by Amy Spivey. Events held at the Terrace Hotel and Harrell Center. Free for Saturday night ticket holders. Food trucks on site.