Steve Martin posted these...

Hopefully Steve Martin will make a little more change with the release of "Rare Bird Alert", his second bluegrass album with The Steep Canyon Rangers. It comes out on on March 15th via Rounder Records. He should also make a little loot (not saying he needs it) from the series of intimate record release shows he's going to play with the band in NYC that week. The shows are happening at Highline Ballroom (on sale Friday at noon), Joe's Pub (three shows - probably go on sale Friday) and Music Hall of Williamsburg (on AmEx presale now with general sale starting Friday). It's also possible there are even more I don't know about yet (he seems to be taking 3/18 off). If so, let me know.

All tour dates, which also include one show at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ (tickets), and another show at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown, NJ (tickets), are below.

Continue reading "Steve Martin releasing new bluegrass LP, playing 5 NYC shows (and other dates)"

Below is a proper review of Thursday night's show to go along with Ryan Muir's pictures....

Continue reading "Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers in NYC - a review "

photos by Ryan Muir

"Comedian, actor, author, and banjo player Steve Martin releases his first musical recording since 1978's number 1 hit "King Tut." This is no novelty record though. It's some of the best banjo music to come down the pike in a long time. The Crow features able assistance from some of Steve's pals, including Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck, Tim O'Brien and Mary Black. Martin wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on this album, creating a new body of work that will stand alongside the classics for years to come" [Rounder Records]

Somewhat surreal to say seriously, but Steve Martin completed his 3-show run in support of his new album at the Rubin Museum of Art last night (5/28) - he played one show on Wednesday, and then two on Thursday (early and late). These pictures are from the final show (the pictures where he's not wearing a jacket were taken during soundcheck - like the one above).

"A Tentative Evening of Bluegrass with Steve Martin performing with the Steep Canyon Rangers" is how the mostly-instrumental show was billed. When singing came, it was by the Rangers at first, and then from Steve on two songs towards the end - "Late for School" and "Orange Blossom". Everyone on stage seemed to be having fun. The band played two of their own songs in the middle of the set, and Steve played one song solo, and one with just the fiddle player. A guest banjo player appeared at one point, and white sashes were given to Steve and the band "as a monk tradition where you give the guests a token to make their troubles go away (or something like that)". Steve introduced most of his songs with short explanations, had a good rapprt with the band, and he was generally funny throughout the night - making jokes about tuning on stage, and the the "changing temperature" of the room. Ryan also said they were great, and the sound in the room was amazing.

"The Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions."

More pictures below...

Continue reading "Steve Martin & banjo @ the Rubin Museum of Art, NYC - pics"

Rubin Museum of Art and The Bowery Presents
A Tentative Evening of Bluegrass with Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
Tickets can be purchased at 212.620.5000 ext. 344 or on line at www.rmanyc.org. Tickets include admission to the Museum's galleries before the show.

Venue: Rubin Museum of Art
Dates: Wed 5/27 & Thu 5/28
Notes: all ages, Doors 9:15 PM / Show 9:30 PM, $50

Online tickets sales begin Friday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m.
Phone sales begin Friday, April 17th at 11:00 a.m.

Bluegrass is all the rage. A Ramone is doing it. Same with the frontman of Led Zeppelin. So why not Steve Martin? Actually he's been doing it for a long time. Check out the videos below...

Continue reading "Steve Martin plays the banjo - A Tentative Evening of Bluegrass (tickets on sale Friday)"