Focal Point presents Darren Nicholson: Original Americana Music from the Mountains of Appalachia

Darren Nicholson is a GRAMMY nominee, 13-time International Bluegrass Music Association award winner, Grand Ole Opry performer and recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor given by North Carolina’s governor. 

Nicholson has been on stage since childhood. Growing up in Jackson County, he played alongside his father, Hayes Nicholson, a championship old-time fiddle and guitar player. In high school, Darren performed professionally with his father and mother, JoAnn. During the summers, the family trio entertained tourists with mountain music as they exited the scenic passenger railroad in the Nantahala Gorge.

Darren Nicholson’s musical talents are well-known in Western North Carolina and beyond. A founding member of the acclaimed bluegrass band Balsam Range, he’s an accomplished mandolin and guitar player, vocalist, harmony singer and songwriter. Last fall, Nicholson made the announcement he would depart Balsam Range to further his solo career. Nicholson was with Balsam Range for 15 years, during which time the group rose to national fame and garnered tons of accolades.

Even while playing with Balsam Range, Nicholson simultaneously pursued his own musical aspirations, from releasing his own albums to headlining his own band on the side, which we’ll be experiencing tonight.