Which Banjo Player will roll to the top in our 2009 IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Reader’s Poll? Will Kristin Scott Benson pull a repeat of 2008 or will Steve Martin, who’s made a huge splash this year in the bluegrass realm, take the ‘09 title? Then there’s the rock solid Sammy Shelor & Ron Stewart and let’s not forget the elder statesman J.D. Crowe!

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The IBMA Awards Show takes place during the World Of Bluegrass Week on Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 pm (Central Time) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn.
Kristin Scott Benson

“Kristin has attained a national identity as one of the top bluegrass banjo players on the scene, exhibiting impeccable taste, timing, and tone. With an attentive ear to back-up, she is known and respected as a true band and team player among her peers. With cover stories in Bluegrass Now, Bluegrass Unlimited and Banjo Newsletter, persistent touring, and renowned recording efforts, people have become very aware of her talent.” Kristin Scott Benson on MySpace
J.D. Crowe

“Banjoist J.D. Crowe was one of the most influential progressive bluegrass musicians of the ’70s. Initially influenced by Earl Scruggs, as well as rock & roll and the blues, Crowe worked his way through several bands during the ’60s, developing a distinctive instrumental style that melded country, bluegrass, rock, and blues. Crowe didn’t receive national exposure until the early ’70s when he formed the New South, but after the release of the band’s eponymous debut in 1972 he became a fixture on the bluegrass scene… JDCrowe.net
Steve Martin

“The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo is the first full-length bluegrass album from actor/comedian/musician Steve Martin. “I have loved the banjo my whole life,” says (Steve) Martin. “The songs on this record represent the influence of a dozen players and a thousand tunes, and I thank them all. But it’s the banjo itself I thank most for generating nostalgia for experiences I never had, joy I was yet to experience, and melancholy that was yet to come.” SteveMartin.com
Sammy Shelor

“As a testament to Sam’s prominence and influence in the banjo world, he has his own signature Sammy Shelor banjo fingerpicks, and a signature model banjo produced by Huber Banjos. His influence on amateur and semi-pro pickers can be demonstrated by a casual walk through the parking lots or jam sessions at any bluegrass event, where licks and phrases which Sam has added to the repertoire are heard alongside those contributed by Earl Scruggs and JD Crowe.” LonesomeRiverBand.com
Ron Stewart

“Ron Stewart, is fast becoming a bluegrass legend in his own right, is probably the most respected multi-instrumentalist in bluegrass today. He grew up playing with his family band in Paoli, Indiana, and had already been invited to play fiddle on a live album with his legendary hero, Lester Flatt, by the time he was nine years old. He is the five-string banjo player extraordinaire for the Dan Tyminski Band…” RonnieStewart.net

Have you missed our other IBMA Awards Reader’s polls?

• IBMA Bass Player of the Year Reader’s Poll
• IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Reader’s Poll
• IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year Reader’s Poll