On the strength of a busy touring schedule, a string of 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 annual International Bluegrass Music Awards Thursday night, September 29 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Martin, who always included banjo picking in his early stand-up comedy routines, has become more serious about recording and performing bluegrass music during the past two years, with the release of two albums of original music.

Martin appeared at the microphone to receive the bluegrass music industry’s highest music award, leapt a few times into the air, congratulated the other Entertainer of the Year…

Nashville, Tenn. — An initial list of performers for IBMA’s 22nd International Bluegrass Music Awards has been confirmed for the Thursday, September 29 event. The Awards Show, held at Nashville, Tennessee’s historic Ryman Auditorium, will feature performances from nominees Balsam Range, The Boxcars, Dailey & Vincent, The Grascals, The Gibson Brothers, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Sierra Hull & Highway 111 and Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers. Also performing is Awards Show host, Sam Bush. More performers, as well as the lineup of presenters, will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Stephen Ruffo and I are thrilled to be working with host Sam Bush and with the team of professionals in place for the biggest night in bluegrass,” said Claire Armbruster, who is co-producing the IBMA Awards Show with Ruffo. “Our main focus will be honoring the nominees but we’ll also pay homage to Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass…

Bristol, Tenn., — In accordance with the April Bear Family Records release of the Bristol Sessions box set, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will dedicate Sunday’s festival finale to the music of Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. The Black Lillies’ Cruz Contreras leads a band of luminary roots musicians as they pay tribute to the Bristol Sessions, which launched the careers of The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.

Hear the songs that made country music famous, interpreted by artists who are making their own distinct mark on the genre today. Participants include Darrell Scott…

Nashville, Tenn. -The Steep Canyon Rangers brought America’s music to America’s Day, teaming with entertainment icon Steve Martin to bring serious bluegrass with a comedic twist to the Fourth of July Celebration at The National Mall in Washington DC. Their high-energy performance, part of a star-studded Independence Day event, marks the year’s highest profile and most-watched bluegrass concert, the latest milestone for The Steep Canyon Rangers…

Nashville, Tenn. – The Steep Canyon Rangers, have joined iconic comedian, Steve Martin on his sophomore album entitled Rare Bird Alert released on March 15, 2011. Bringing bluegrass music to new audiences, Steep Canyon Rangers continue their meteoric rise as passionate ambassadors for the bluegrass music they love. With Martin, Steep Canyon Rangers played for more people than any other bluegrass band in 2010….