Nashville, Tenn. – September 30, 2011 – Capping a landmark year that has included a busy touring schedule, national television appearances and the release of a new album, Rare Bird Alert on Rounder Records, Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers took home the Entertainer of the Year award at the 22nd International Bluegrass Music Awards Thursday night, September 29 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
This is the second IBMA Award win for The Steep Canyon Rangers, who took home their first in 2006 for Emerging Artist of the Year. Thursday’s win is icing on the cake of an already sweet year! “Working with Steve, we might be the most entertained of all,” said Steep Canyon Rangers lead singer, Woody Platt, “We are so thankful to Steve for giving us this amazing opportunity.”
When Martin, handpicked The Steep Canyon Rangers to tour and record with him, they jumped at the chance. “Serendipity has made a better match than any bluegrass computer dating service,” jokes Martin.
The union of Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers has been a truly collaborative and joyful experience for the North Carolina based band. “Recording Rare Bird Alert and touring with Steve has been such a blast, from writing to playing to singing our partnership with Steve has allowed us to bring bluegrass music to new audiences. Being able to share the music we love…that is the biggest reward,” said Platt.
After a whirlwind couple years including dates at Carnegie Hall, headlining festivals such as Bonnaroo, Merlefest, New Orleans Jazzfest, Newport Folk Festival, and appearances on “The View,” “Ellen,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Colbert Report,” The Steep Canyon Rangers show no sign of slowing down.
The band recently signed with Rounder Records, the premier bluegrass record label. Their partnership further establishes The Steep Canyon Rangers as an extraordinary presence on the bluegrass and roots music scene. They will release a new album with Rounder in 2012.
For more information about The Steep Canyon Rangers and complete tour schedule please visit www.steepcanyon.com.
