Closing in on 20 years together! Bluegrass juggernaut Balsam Range is charging headlong toward the horizon. Coming into 2026, the group: Caleb Smith (guitar, vocals), Tim Surrett ( bass, dobro, vocals) Alan Bibey ( mandolin, vocals) and banjoist Marc Pruett — is gearing up to not only release new music, but also once again hit the road, touring majestic theaters and backwoods gatherings — all in the name of bluegrass music.
2026 also brings a special guest on board to many shows across the nation, Kentucky native Don Rigsby. On fiddle and vocals, Rigsby brings that familiar “high lonesome sound” to the mix and is backed by an impressive resume, making him a seamless addition to the group.
Formed in 2007 by mere happenstance, Balsam Range came together during an informal kitchen jam session in the rural depths of Western North Carolina. What started as friends gathering to pick a tune or learn a new song ultimately led to gigs being booked, this trajectory quickly taking shape of a band on the run to its dreams. Since its inception, Balsam Range has become one of the most decorated and award-winning acts in the wide world of bluegrass music, including the following International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honors: “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018), “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), “Song of the Year” (2011, 2015) and “Vocal Group of the Year” (2014, 2015), “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2014, 2018) and “Bass Player of the Year” (2018).
By the numbers, Balsam Range has released 14 albums, with countless number one singles on the bluegrass charts. And yet, regardless of the accolades received or the endless miles traveled, what matters most to Balsam Range is what was of most importance from the very first gig the outfit ever played together — genuinely connecting with an audience through the sacred, ancient act of live performance.