Steep Canyon Rangers

With Hank, Pattie & the Current

January 17, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in Wright Auditorium

Steep Canyon Rangers Tickets available September 15th

Hailing from North Carolina’s Appalachian and Piedmont regions, the Rangers are known for their traditional bluegrass roots and ability to blend various influences from their region. They have gained recognition beyond bluegrass, establishing themselves as influential Americana songwriters. The band consists of Graham Sharp, Mike Guggino, Nicky Sanders, Mike Ashworth, Barrett Smith, and newcomer Aaron Burdett; an award-winning singer-songwriter who brings a soul stirring musical element to the Rangers. Over their career, they’ve released 14 studio albums, earned three Grammy nominations, won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album in 2013, collaborated with actor and banjoist Steve Martin, been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and have performed on some of music’s biggest stages. 

Hank, Pattie, & the Current

Bluegrass visionaries Hank Smith (banjo) and Pattie Hopkins Kinlaw’s (fiddle) innovative twist on traditional bluegrass music is a soulful brew flavored with classical, Motown, jazz, and pop influences. Joined by Billie Feather on guitar and Stevie Martinez on bass, this dynamic, North Carolina based group is performing in support of their sixth album, PAPER LANTERNS, out now on Robust Records.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact ECU’s ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1018 or ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.