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.
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.
Welter grew up near Pittsburg in a very musical family. As a child he studied classical music in school, but his father taught him about bluegrass, and the young Avery also picked up guitar and banjo. He was likewise an ETSU Bluegrass program student, where he studied under the tutelage of players like Wyatt Rice, Adam Steffey, and Hunter Berry.
Prior to joining up with Darren, Avery had been a part of The Churchmen, Dreamcatcher, and The Tim Shelton Syndicate. He also records for the Sound Biscuit label as a solo artist, and is a volunteer fireman when he’s at home.www.darrennicholson.net