Steve Martin has long been successful as a writer and performer in popular movies. Who knew he’d one day sell out concerts as a modern bluegrass performer?
Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers perform Friday at Mesa Arts Center. Tickets are sold out through the venue, but as of press time online ticket brokers are offering a precious few — we’re talking two to four seats per price point — tickets to the show.
Last year, Martin’s banjo album, “The Crow/New Songs For The Five-String Banjo,” won the Grammy award for best bluegrass album. In 2010 he also established The Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an annual award to recognize an individual or group in the field of five-string banjo or bluegrass music.
The Steep Canyon Rangers latest record, “Deep in the Shade,” stayed on the Billboard Bluegrass Top Ten for 18 weeks. Along with Martin, the band has headlined Merlefest and Bonaroo, and appeared on “Late Night With David Letterman” and “Austin City Limits.”
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DETAILS >> 8 p.m. Friday. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. Ticket prices vary from ticket brokers, but expect to pay $130 or more per ticket. (480) 644-6500 or www.mesaartscenter.com
