Hey folks! I’ve said that opening line a lot of times…but it is the truth! I get to stand on stage and watch and hear everything that goes on in the Balsam Range show. And I have a blast watching Tim Surrett, Darren Nicholson, Caleb Smith, and Buddy Melton sing, play and “cut up” every night we’re on stage!
We’ve been at it now almost 5 years, and I have to tell you, I am real proud of the progress the band has made. I guess by now that you may have heard about the International Bluegrass Music Association awards that Balsam Range is nominated for this year…Song of the Year…Album of the Year…and Emerging Artist. I jokingly told someone the other day that I can understand “song” and “album”…but “Shootfirebuddy…IfeellikeI’vebeenemergingnowsince1962!!!” I’ve had a lot of fun with that, but all kidding aside, I am thrilled as I can be to stand in those final categories with my pals in BR. It is an international honor just to make the third cut in this nomination!
If you can vote…please think about Balsam Range. If you have voted…I hope your bunch wins. If you’re not able to vote…join IBMA and get in on all this “bluegrass fun!” I won’t bore you with too many details…but remember that our “Winter Concert Series” is on again at the beautiful, historic Colonial Theater in downtown Canton, NC. (Check our schedule for more details.) Every time I play there, I think about my old buddy Charles Gentry telling me that he saw Bill Monroe when Flatt and Scruggs were in the band in 1947…right there…at the Colonial Theater! I can almost hear Lester singing “How Will I Explain About You.” (I think it’s still in the walls there somewhere.) Charlie told me that “Mon” had on a bright green suit with white boots that night…and all the people were talking about “this banjo player.”
Well gang…thanks for letting me “jaw” at you a while. Come and be with us when you can. We’ll always try to have some fun…well…except maybe when Darren’s shoes are too tight. Then all we hear is the grinding of teeth for three sets! Cheers, and as Uncle Albert used to say, keep BR in mind for “all your entertainment needs”. Marc
…Best seat in the house, Would be on stage>> Because unless you get to a Balsam Range concert at least an hour or so before it starts…all the seats will be taken & there will barely be standing room around the stage<<!!
Good Luck on the IBMA nominations…You guys deserve it & you're always "winners" in the eyes of your fans
I am hoping to make it to some of the winter concerts at the Colonial theater … love hearing you guys play!!
*Cheers*
Just a suggestion about concert listings. It would be great if you could include a brief description as to the location. Like middle of NC, Eastern TN, Just outside of Asheville. I hate to admit it but most of the time I have to google it to find it is to far away. Thanks. Best of Luck @ the IBMA… You guys are the winners no mater what they say.
Noted my friend….we’ll try…the date usually has a link …but that’s a great idea!
I would like to vote for Bad Bad Leroy Brown and Kansas City to be included on your next CD project. I know David Raulerson wants to hear The Twilight Zone, that would be interesting Maybe Marc could do the Rod Stewart Introduction (that would shock allot of folks) One final note what ever you do will be a winner. Thanks so much !!!
We saw y’all today, Sunday, 9-11 at Silver Bluff Village.
Great show! Very inspirational.
It (and you) were written up by an international web site.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/10308542-america-remembers-911-honored-at-silver-bluff-village-100th-birthday-celebration
Thanks So Much Chip. What a great article. Thanks for the info and kind words. We had a marvelous time.
I got to hear you’ll play this weekend at the Thomas Wolfe. I had a great time. I was so worried about not getting good seats but lucked up. I got second row seats on the right side. So close to the stage. So awesome. Keep up the great work guys! Lots of love and God bless for Leicester, NC!
Awesome Jessi. I have always love TWA and really love John Anderson. What a talent and SUCH a great guy. Hold things down in Leicester NC and come see us. Thanks for the kinds words and taking time to write.
You all done 2 amazing shows yesterday @ Dumplin Valley!! There was a packed house for both of the shows
I’m so glad that you all were booked there and I hope that you all can get booked there next year and get booked @ the Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass. See you all soon!!
Thanks Rebekah. It was packed…they have a great festival. We were happy to be a part of it. Love to be back at Bloomin BBQ N Bluegrass too. Please come see us and thanks so much for the note.
Buddy – - I’m so happy you came into my life many years ago – [back on old 'Love Lane'] I’m so happpy you’re doing well in the music business – I understand the band is much in demand !!! I often wish ‘Joe’ had gotten in the music business ! Good luck, Buddy and I wish you many, many blessings. You deserve them because you’ve always been one !!!! If you’re ever down Savannah way, get Joe to tell you my nmber and call and say ‘Hi” – - -PS : I can’t remember my password so I can’t get ‘in’ !!!!
You guys really brought the house down at Starvey Creek Friday. Once again, thanks for listening to my songs and I hope you like em. Can’t wait to here you guys next project. Maybe see ya in Springfield in November. Be safe and God bless!
Thanks so much Art. Starvy Creek has been so much fun both years now. We had a great time …but the crrowd, our frrends making a lot of noise is what makes it fun for us. You all are the best and hope to see you in Springfield.
Good job boys at Dumplin Valley. Thank you so much for entertaining my Mom and the other seniors at the Silver Bluff Nursing Home in Canton. They loved it! I will be at Lexington, KY this Saturday night! I grew up with Marc so I will tell a little piece of trivia on him. He was the president of the Aviation Seminar at Pisgah High in 1969. I was Vice President. I had forgotten about it till I saw an old annual recently.
Thanks so much Joe! That was some kind of party they had up there at SB. What a fun time for all…hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.
Hey Guys, Will be seeing you in Nashville for the IBMA in a few days. Wanted to say you are one of the best bands in the land. Looking forward to a better year coming up…This year has been a banner year for BR.
Thanks Tom!! Always great to see you at the shows and we appreciate all you do for the music. Thanks for the kind words and we’ll see you next week my friend!
For Marc:
Dear Dr. Pruett:
I’d like to purchase a copy of your new prize winner for Frances. If possible with a dedication by you. Her birthday is Oct 12, and if you can tell me where to purchase same we would appreciate it greatly. BTW, I came across that photo Frances made for your album cover so long ago. If I can remember it, I will try to tease it out .
Dave & Maggie