The Darren Nicholson Trio: Orchard Sessions at The Farm
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 August 13, 2025 Old Edwards Hospitality Group
The Farm at Old Edwards invites you to join us for the return of our live concert series, Orchard Sessions. Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard, and just relax into a special evening with the sounds of well-known headliners. For a small cover charge, you will enjoy light bites and a cash bar.
THE DARREN NICHOLSON TRIO
Wednesday, August 13 | 6 - 8 pm
The Darren Nicholson Trio is a group of Appalachian musicians who share a respect for and love of American acoustic music, known for creatively blending bluegrass, folk, gospel, and swing into a new musical experience. The Darren Nicholson Trio brings a rich, rootsy vibe to their music—melding traditional Appalachian sounds with creative flair. Darren Nicholson himself is well-known in bluegrass circles, especially from his time with Balsam Range, and his trio continues that legacy with a fresh twist.
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. Darren’s latest album, Wanderer, garnered critical acclaim and produced two #1 singles. He is now working on a new album of original music. Two singles from this upcoming new release have already hit #1 as well, including “Big Sky,” Darren’s true tale of explorer John Colter.
Nicholson, a GRAMMY-nominee, 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.
Avery Welter hails from Freedom, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh. Growing up in a musical family, Avery showed interest in being a musician early in life and began violin lessons at the age of 6. He studied with David Gillis of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra until the age of 14. During that time, he performed with the Pittsburgh Symphonette and appeared several times at Heinz Hall. Since his family was involved in bluegrass music, Avery also learned guitar and banjo from his dad, Jim. Avery has been seen with The Churchmen, Dreamcatcher, The Tim Shelton Syndicate, and now performs full time with The Darren Nicholson Band.
Aynsley Porchak began playing fiddle at the age of 9. She was introduced to contest-style fiddling in her early teens and quickly fell in love with the music. Aynsley is the first person to win both the Grand Master Fiddler Championship in 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee, and the 2017 Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Championship. She has played with the SPBGMA award-winning bluegrass band Carolina Blue, the Tennessee Bluegrass Band, and is thrilled to be currently touring with the Darren Nicholson Band.
Book online today
6 - 8 pm | Public Welcome
$25 Cover Charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members | $50 Cover Charge for the Public
Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites
The Farm at Old Edwards is located at 336 Arnold Road, Highlands. Limited seating is available.
This is just one of our Orchard Sessions at The Farm this year. View the 2025 line-up and book your tickets now. All Orchard Sessions are now open to the general public for booking! We have added a feature that allows you to add multiple Orchard Sessions to your cart so you can purchase all the concerts you wish to attend with just one transaction.
Check lodging availability at Old Edwards Inn (not included in the ticket price)
Check lodging availability at Half-Mile Farm (not included in the ticket price)
Check lodging availability at 200 Main (not included in the ticket price)
Please Note: events are for guests 21 and older, and dates are subject to change. Orchard Session tickets are non-refundable. Pets are not permitted. No outside alcohol is permitted. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to The Orchard House.