American picker: Renaissance man Martin to play Pavilion

Local news outlets seem to have ignored Monday's press release about an impending Charlottesville concert by a musical act called Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. It's may not always be big news when there's a guy named Steve Martin fronting a bluegrass band.

But this happens to be the Steve Martin. Yeah, the wild-and-crazy comedian, the screenwriter, the New Yorker humorist, the actor, the novelist and memoirist.

It should come as no surprise since his virtuoso banjo skills were part of that very first comedy album, Let's Get Small, from 1977. Flash forward 35 years, and Martin's still honing his musical skills. He's partnering with a North Carolina-based quintet, renowned in its own right.

The combo has announced they'll be playing June 2 the nTelos Wireless Pavilion in support of their album, Rare Bird Alert, a #1-selling bluegrass disc and Grammy nominee. The downtown event is billed as "an evening of bluegrass and comedy" with seats ranging from $35 to $69. Tickets go on sale March 16.