DARREN NICHOLSON BAND
original Americana music from the mountains of western North Carolina
Darren Nicholson
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GRAMMY nominee
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13-time International Bluegrass Music Association award winner
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multiple performances on the Grand Ole Opry
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a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina's governor
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new album of original music on the way
If you’re looking to be impressed, you will be – if you’re looking to make a friend, you already have. Darren Nicholson, who has played mountain music since his youth in Western North Carolina, is a high-caliber musician with substantial contributions to such acts as Alecia Nugent and Balsam Range.
Yes, he’s a punchy mandolinist with instrumentation nods to Bill Monroe and Marty Stuart, but he’s also an introspective songwriter, technical harmony singer, convincing lead vocalist, and a man on a mission. Since going solo, Nicholson has persistently and earnestly invested in his shows, making each one a tailored experience. They are genuine, entertaining, and an extended handshake to the community. He’s accomplished this all while managing to retain the fun-witted and approachable character formed in his raising.
The latest album, Wanderer, garnered critical acclaim and produced two #1 singles, and he’s also co-written hit songs for other artists, such as The Grascals’ “I Go” and “Just Let Me Know,” but Darren’s more interested in sharing raw, honest-to-goodness, quality music with his audience. Music that’s good for his soul and theirs too. “That’s all I want,” says Darren. “I want to be a positive part of other people’s lives with music, you know? I want to be an ambassador to roots music – tip my hat to the past while looking forward at the same time.”
Darren assembles a variety of all star collaborations – but no matter the lineup there’s a journey to experience in every show. You feel the adrenaline of a quick number like “Sugar Creek Gap”, the gravity of a soul searcher like “Things Left Undone”, and the levity of his unpredictable antics. “This music was intended to be played in a way that adds joy to the community. All I want is to restore that purpose, not to complete a transaction.”
He may not be focused on commercial success but his accomplishments have certainly earned recognition. Darren is the recipient of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, along with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor bestowed by North Carolina's governor. He’s also a Grammy nominee. But he won’t talk your ear off about that – he barely agreed to let us put that (long) list on here.
When you come out to a show, whatever you do, please come talk afterward. “I’m like Willie Nelson. ‘I don’t want fans, I want friends.’ It’s a communal thing.”
Darren Nicholson. Homegrown. Whole Hearted. Music with a purpose.
More About Darren
“We love having the Darren Nicholson Band perform at The Swag. The DNB is always prompt and in great spirits. Their broad selection of music and taking requests keeps our guests entertained and involved. If they were unfamiliar with bluegrass or mountain music before hearing DNB, they are certainly fans at the end of the evening.
Darren, Kevin, Avery, Richard, and Aynsley leave you wanting the evening to go on a little longer.”
- Mark Higdon - Guest Services, The Swag (Maggie Valley, NC)
DISCOGRAPHY
"Darren connects to your heart first, and then he really makes you happy with his music and laughter!"
- Amanda Mosier Bauknight, Dacusville Concert Series
DARREN NICHOLSON BAND
Darren Nicholson Band is a group of Appalachian musicians who have common respect for and love of American acoustic music. They are known for creatively blending bluegrass, folk, gospel, and swing, into a new music experience.
MEET THE BAND
Avery Welter
guitar/vocals
Aynsley Porchak
fiddle
Kevin Sluder
bass/vocals
Richard Foulk
percussion
I have been around world class musicians and concerts since I was a boy, and have promoted concerts and events most of my adult life. I am old enough to have seen the classic artists like Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, the original Seldom Scene, Tony Rice, Doc and Merle Watson, and New Grass Revival, among scores of others, as well as classic rock groups such as the Rolling Stones, Mountain, The Eagles and too many others to mention, along with new stars of today such as Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson.
Aside from being superb musicians, singers, and songwriters, all of these artists shared (or share) one special trait – the ability to connect with their audiences and make the audiences feel that their songs were written just for them.
No matter the size of the venue or audience – from huge stadium tours to intimate listening rooms – these artists all possess the magical ability to make you feel as if you were the only person there, and that they were performing that song just for you.
Darren Nicholson has this unique ability as well. Combining the instrumental talent to blister anything with strings, along with incredible vocals and superb songwriting skills, Darren puts the icing on the performance cake with a wicked sense of humor and compelling personality that will bring even the most hardened audience out of their seats.
Not only is he a world class artist, but Darren is genuinely a world class guy, always positive and always helping others. Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible artist perform his musical magic, in person or on a recording—you’ll be glad you did, and you’ll likely make a new friend in the process!
- Bob Plott, Mountain Memories Productions
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
