Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers Named IBMA Entertainer Of The Year

In retrospect, Steve Martin was always destined to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year Award. If you’ve ever seen him crack jokes while leading The Steep Canyon Rangers, his crack band of bluegrass vets, on the banjo, you’d know why.

Says Rangers’ lead singer Woody Platt: “Working with Steve, we might be the most entertained of all. Most of all we thank Steve for giving us this most amazing ride.”

Congratulations to Martin, and all the other winners. Check out the full list below.

The 2011 International Bluegrass Awards:

Hall of Fame Inductees – Del McCoury, George Shuffler

Entertainer of the Year – Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers

Vocal Group of the Year – The Gibson Brothers

Instrumental Group of the Year – The Boxcars

Male Vocalist of the Year – Russell Moore

Female Vocalist of the Year – Dale Ann Bradley

Emerging Artist of the Year – The Boxcars

Album of the Year – Help My Brother by The Gibson Brothers (artists), Eric & Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers), Compass (label)

Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year – “Goin’ Up Dry Branch,” Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (artist), Buddy Spicher & Jimmy Martin (songwriters), Jeff White & Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder (label)

Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year – “Prayer Bells of Heaven” by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, & Paul Williams (artists), Ben Isaacs (producer), Mountain Home (label)

Song of the Year – “Trains I Missed;” Balsam Range (artists); Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard & Nicole Witt (songwriters)

Recorded Event of the Year – “Prayer Bells of Heaven” by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson & Paul Williams (artists); Ben Isaacs (producer); Mountain Home (label)

Banjo Player of the Year – Kristin Scott Benson and Ron Stewart (tie)

Guitar Player of the Year – Bryan Sutton

Fiddle Player of the Year – Michael Cleveland

Bass Player of the Year – Marshall Wilborn

Mandolin Player of the Year – Adam Steffey

Dobro Player of the Year – Rob Ickes

Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients – Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling, Roland White

Broadcaster of the Year – Katy Daley, WAMU Bluegrass Country

Print Media Person of the Year – Juli Thanki, Engine145.com

Bluegrass Event of the Year – Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival; Branson, Mo.

Best Graphic Design – Ricardo Alessio & Erica Harris (designer & artist), Abigail Washburn (artist), Rounder (label)

Best Liner Notes – Colin Escott (writer), A Mother’s Prayer, Ralph Stanley (artist), Rebel (label)