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Steve Martin honored for bluegrass contributions

Actor Steve Martin was honored Thursday for his achievements in the bluegrass music community during a ceremony in Raleigh.

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Steve Martin Bluegrass
By
Kathy Hanrahan
RALEIGH, N.C. — Actor and musician Steve Martin was honored for his significant contributors to the bluegrass community during a ceremony Thursday in Raleigh.

Martin was given the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association's Distinguished Achievement Award.

Martin has been playing banjo since he was a teen and has often incorporated it into his comedy performances, including his time on "Saturday Night Live."

He has won five Grammy Awards and three International Bluegrass Music awards. He has toured with Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell.

Martin described his relationship with the banjo as a series of "oh no's."

"Oh no, I have to learn how to do that," Martin said of hearing Earl Scruggs and Bill Keith for the first time.

Martin concluded his speech with a tearful thank you to the bluegrass community.

The award was presented during the Special Awards luncheon at the IBMA's World of Bluegrass in downtown Raleigh.

Festivities continue Thursday night with the International Bluegrass Music Awards at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Friday and Saturday Wide Open Bluegrass, which includes ticketed and free shows, will be held. Events were moved indoors due to the threat of inclement weather.

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