RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina’s Balsam Range has taken Entertainer of the Year honors at the International Bluegrass Music Awards in Raleigh.

The awards presented Thursday night recognized outstanding achievement and pioneering efforts as determined by professionals in the bluegrass industry. Nearly two dozen awards were presented to the top achievers.

Balsam Range was also honored as the top vocal group.

Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen were named instrumental group of the year. Buddy Melton was the male vocalist of the year. Amanda Smith was female vocalist of the year.

Flatt Lonesome was named Emerging Artist of the Year.

Ben Eldridge, Tom Gray and John Starling, members of the original Seldom Scene, were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The other Hall of Fame nominee was bluegrass historian Neil Rosenberg.

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