GALAX – Steep Canyon Rangers will perform as part of the Deep Roots, Many Voices: Summer Outdoor Concert Series at 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, in the Blue Ridge Music Center’s outdoor amphitheater on the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Galax.
Steep Canyon Rangers have long held traditional bluegrass paramount, while possessing an exceptional ability to incorporate influences from other genres such as country, jam, and Americana.
The North Carolina natives rose to the top of the bluegrass genre, headlining festivals such as Merlefest and Grey Fox Bluegrass after forming in college in 2000. Over its quarter-century career, the band has received recognition from well beyond the world of bluegrass and its members have earned a reputation as some of the most influential songwriters in Americana today. In a 2024 interview, Garret K. Woodward of Rolling Stone called the band, “one of the most sought-after groups in Americana, bluegrass, and indie-folk.”
Steep Canyon Rangers has released 14 studio albums including the Grammy-winning Nobody Knows You (2012) and the Grammy-nominated live album North Carolina Songbook (2019), which was recorded at Merlefest and features covers of songs by artists who were born in North Carolina, including James Taylor, Doc Watson, and Thelonious Monk. The album drew acclaim and topped the Billboard Bluegrass Chart for multiple weeks after its release.
The band has answered the demand for a new live album with Live at Greenfield Lake, which will be released on Aug. 30. The album captures the magic of the group’s chemistry, their unparalleled harmonies, and the rich songwriting that has made them one of the most critically-acclaimed groups in Americana music. Spellbinding and tender performances of songs like “Recommend Me” and “Birds of Ohio” are mixed with blistering, barnburning renditions of “Afterglow” and “Sunny Days,” showcasing the breadth of styles and genres that the Rangers tackle in concert.
Steep Canyon Rangers is made up of Graham Sharp (banjo, vocals), Mike Guggino (mandolin/mandola, vocals), Aaron Burdett (guitar, vocals), Nicky Sanders (fiddle, vocals), Mike Ashworth (drums, dobro, guitar, vocals), and Barrett Smith (bass, guitar, vocals).
Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 the day of the show, and $20 for children ages 12 and younger. Advance tickets are available at BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org. Tickets can be purchased on the evening of the show at the admission gates.
Concertgoers are invited to kick off the Steep Canyon Rangers concert at a special preshow fundraiser supporting enhancements to the Music Center. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Visitor Center breezeway. Attendees will also receive early entry to the amphitheater at 5 p.m. to reserve their preferred spot. Tickets are $100 per person and proceeds will support updates and repairs at the venue. Visit BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org to purchase tickets.
The Bluffs Restaurant will offer homestyle food and beverages for purchase during the concert. Visitors may bring their own food and beverages into the amphitheater. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
This performance in the series is sponsored by W.L.A. Trucking. The presenting sponsors for the series are W.L.A. Trucking and Yadkin Arts Council.
An Evening with Steep Canyon Rangers
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Blue Ridge Music Center, milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Galax, Va.
Tickets: $45 in advance, $50 the day of the show, $20 for ages 12 and younger
Additional information: BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org, (866) 308-2773 ext. 214
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