8/20/2011 Steve Canyon & The Steep Canyon Rangers, Pepsi Amphitheatre at Fort Tuthill Park, Flagstaff, AZ


 10 years ago today...

August 20, 2011 - Flagstaff, AZ

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers combined comedy and banjo-driven bluegrass music in a outdoor performance at the Pepsi Amphitheatre at Fort Tuthill Park.
Steve had always incorporated banjo into his comedy shows when he was a Wild and Crazy Guy with an arrow through his head asking to be excused. Now he was playing with the Steep Canyon Rangers, a North Carolina-based bluegrass band.
A few months before this show, Steve and the Steep Canyon Rangers released their first collaborative album, "Rare Bird Alert," with cameos from special guests Paul McCartney and the Dixie Chicks. The album was nominated for a Grammy and included a bluegrass version of Martin's memorable "King Tut."
The between-song banter was classic Steve, dropping some hilariously funny bits while showcasing his substantial chops on banjo. The band is tight. We really enjoyed this pairing of comedy and music.
Thanks to the promoter, we were able to score a copy of the new CD signed by Steve and the band. We will be seeing the SCR (sans Steve, sadly) next month at this same venue when they appear at the annual Pickin' In the Pines bluegrass festival.



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