Bluegrass Reaches Mainstream Audiences as the Steep Canyon Rangers Play Sold-out Venues with Steve Martin and Sign with Rounder Records

Online, December 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Steep Canyon Rangers have played in front of more people than any other bluegrass band this year. When iconic comedian - and accomplished banjo player - Steve Martin handpicked SCR to tour with him across the country, they jumped at the chance. Yet, Martin shifts the spotlight: "I need them," Martin says. "They don't need me."

In a year jam-packed with tour dates, including Carnegie Hall, along with Steve Martin the band landed appearances on "Austin City Limits," "The View," "Good Morning America" and "Late Show with David Letterman," introducing bluegrass to millions of viewers who may have been hearing it for the first time. And with Martin, they headlined venues such as Bonnaroo, Merlefest, New Orleans Jazzfest, Newport Folk Festival and played 90% of their tour shows to sold-out crowds, including the Royal Festival Hall in London.
As 2010 wraps up, SCR culminates a stellar year by signing with premier bluegrass record label Rounder Records, which just celebrated its 40th anniversary of great music this year. This new partnership further establishes Steep Canyon Rangers as an extraordinary presence on the bluegrass and roots music scene, joining the likes of other Rounder artists such as Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Robert Plant.

The horizon line of the future stretches out broad and wide as SCR plans a nationwide tour with Steve Martin in 2011 to support their collaborative project due in March. Guest artists featured on this recording include Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks. The Rangers also plan their first Rounder release in 2011. 



Bringing bluegrass music to new audiences, the Steep Canyon Rangers continue their meteoric rise as passionate ambassadors for the bluegrass music they love. For more information, please visit www.steepcanyon.com.

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About Steep Canyon Rangers: Brothers in music - Mike Guggino (mandolin), Charles Humphrey III (bass), Woody Platt (guitar), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), and Graham Sharp (banjo) - met and began playing bluegrass during their college days in Chapel Hill, NC, And ten years later, the band has only deepened their commitment to roots music performing with fierce instrumental prowess, but also providing deeply moving songwriting and harmonies, infusing traditional bluegrass with contemporary themes and arrangements.