The Steep Canyon Rangers love what they do. Barrett Smith, who plays bass, guitar, and does vocals for the group, says “We've been making music together for over 25 years. The band started in Chapel Hill, NC, with a group of guys just looking to have some fun and dig deep into the bluegrass tradition. All these years later, we're still at it, and still loving it.”

And their audiences feel that love; back for their fourth visit to the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor stage, the Steep Canyon Rangers will bring their iconic American roots music on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Smith adds, “We love playing in Maine, and are so grateful for all of the fans we get to see again. And even more grateful for the folks who decide to come out for the first time and be a part of it.”

The band’s ability to blend traditional bluegrass with contemporary songwriting, literary influence, and regional storytelling has loyal fans catching as many shows as they can, and garnered the group a Best Bluegrass Album GRAMMY, for 2013’s "Nobody Knows You," additional nominations for "Rare Bird Alert" (2012) and "North Carolina Songbook" (2020), and an induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

And they know how to keep it fresh. Smith says, “Each night we play is completely unique. The show we put on at the Opera House (which we love) will be very different from the show we put on the night before, and very different from the show we put on the night after...Hopefully (and usually), listeners take away the feeling that we all created something special together.”

The Steep Canyon Rangers are Graham Sharp/banjo and vocals, Mike Guggino/mandolin/mandola and vocals, Aaron Burdett/guitar and vocals, Nicky Sanders/fiddle and vocals, Mike Ashworth/dobro, percussion and vocals, and Smith/bass, guitar, and vocals.

Advance discounted tickets are available now, $30 from the box office at 86 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor or by calling 207-633-5159. Advance tickets are $45. The box office is open Wednesday-Friday, 10 a..m. - 2 p.m. Regular tickets are $45 at online at https://boothbayoperahouse.com. Doors open for seating at 7 p.m. The bar will have cold drinks for sale, cash only.