Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-11-04
For nearly two decades, award-winning bluegrass band Balsam Range has built a remarkable career on world-class musicianship, heartfelt songs, and an unwavering connection to the mountains of Western North Carolina. With the October 30 release of "Simple Man," the band honors those roots while stepping confidently into a new chapter.
A powerful and thoughtful interpretation of the Southern rock classic made famous by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Simple Man" speaks to the values that have long defined Balsam Range: humility, integrity, family, and staying true to who you are.
The song also marks two important milestones for the band. It is Balsam Range's first independent release and the first recording to feature Stephen Hudson on fiddle and lead vocals, joining the established lineup of Tim Surrett, Marc Pruett, Caleb Smith, and Alan Bibey.
"We are so proud of this one," says Surrett. "It is our first release to feature Stephen Hudson, and what an introduction this is."
The message in "Simple Man" is familiar territory for Balsam Range. Throughout their career, the group has gravitated toward songs that tell meaningful stories and reflect the lives and experiences of everyday people.
That same commitment to authenticity extends beyond their recordings and onto the stage, where their musicianship, warmth, and connection with audiences have earned them a devoted following across the country.
And no matter how far their music takes them, Western North Carolina remains home.
Since 2016, the band has hosted the Balsam Range Art of Music Festival at Lake Junaluska, bringing music lovers from across the country and beyond to the mountains that helped shape their sound.
This year's festival, taking place December 3–5, 2026, marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of music, community, and the special connection between Balsam Range and its fans.
The three-day event will feature Balsam Range alongside an outstanding lineup of musical guests, including Authentic Unlimited, Jeff Little Trio, Rhonda Vincent, Darren Nicholson, and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble, with the orchestra joining Balsam Range for a special closing performance. Plus, a few surprise guests are still to be added!
For Balsam Range, the festival is more than an annual concert event. It's an opportunity to welcome fans into the place they call home and share the music and community that have been central to their journey.
As the band looks toward its 20th anniversary in 2027, "Simple Man" offers a fitting introduction to what comes next: new music, a new voice, and the same unmistakable Balsam Range spirit that has carried them from the mountains of Haywood County to stages across the nation.
"This festival has always been about more than just the music," says Surrett. "It's about bringing people together and sharing a little piece of the place we call home. We've been fortunate to travel all over the world playing music, but there's something really special about welcoming folks here to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Ten years in, we're just as excited about it as we were when we started."
"Simple Man" is now available on digital streaming platforms.
Balsam Range – 10th Annual Art of Music Festival
December 3–5, 2026
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Featuring:
Balsam Range
Authentic Unlimited
Jeff Little Trio
Rhonda Vincent
Darren Nicholson
Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble
Plus special guests to be announced
