Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass

Friend of Greenleaf Noam Pikelny wins the first Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

Mr. Martin, who has lately been reconnecting with his banjo-playing roots as he tours with the Steep Canyon Rangers, said that during his road appearances, he became aware of banjo players who were having difficulty affording their instruments.

“A really good professional banjo can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 to $15,000, upwards to $50,000 and $100,000,” Mr. Martin said in a telephone interview. “They can be like Stradivariuses – some professional players are paying off their instruments by playing.”

Full article at NYTimes.

Hey Steve, can we get an prize for brooding indie guitarists, too? Having trouble affording my ’65 telecaster. Just kidding of course.

Congrats Noam! Now let’s hear some Scruggs.