Steve Martin and Del McCoury Honored at 2011 Bluegrass Awards

The leading names of the Bluegrass genre gathered on Thursday for the 22nd annual International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, handing out honors to legends (including Del McCoury, who entered the Bluegrass Hall of Fame) and “newer” artists like Steve Martin, who took home the Entertainer of the Year award for his second full-length album of bluegrass instrumentals.

Martin, who made his banjo-playing skills a part of his act during his years on the stand-up circuit, flashed his wry sense of humor during his acceptance speech, quipping, “I want to thank the other nominees — and thank them for losing.” Martin later turned serious for a moment, saying, “We’re really, really honored to win this award tonight.”

Last week’s ceremony celebrated the 100th anniversary of Bill Monroe’s birth — which made it all the more fitting that Del McCoury, who recently released a Monroe tribute album, was part of this year’s inductees to the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

2011 International Bluegrass Awards Winners:

Hall of Fame Inductees

Del McCoury, George Shuffler

Entertainer of the Year

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

Vocal Group of the Year

The Gibson Brothers

Instrumental Group of the Year

The Boxcars

Male Vocalist of the Year

Russell Moore

Female Vocalist of the Year

Dale Ann Bradley

Emerging Artist of the Year

The Boxcars

Album of the Year

‘Help My Brother’ by the Gibson Brothers (artists), Eric and Leigh Gibson and Mike Barber (producers), Compass (label)

Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year

‘Goin’ Up Dry Branch,’ Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper (artist), Buddy Spicher and Jimmy Martin (songwriters), Jeff White and Michael Cleveland (producers), Rounder (label)

Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year

‘Prayer Bells of Heaven’ by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams (artists), Ben Isaacs (producer), Mountain Home (label)

Song of the Year

‘Trains I Missed,’ Balsam Range (artists); Walt Wilkins, Gilles Godard and Nicole Witt (songwriters)

Recorded Event of the Year

‘Prayer Bells of Heaven’ by J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson and Paul Williams (artists); Ben Isaacs (producer); Mountain Home (label)

Banjo Player of the Year

Kristin Scott Benson and Ron Stewart (tie)

Guitar Player of the Year

Bryan Sutton

Fiddle Player of the Year

Michael Cleveland

Bass Player of the Year

Marshall Wilborn

Mandolin Player of the Year

Adam Steffey

Dobro Player of the Year

Rob Ickes

Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients

Greg Cahill, Bill Knowlton, Lilly Pavlak, Geoff Stelling, Roland White

Broadcaster of the Year

Katy Daley, WAMU Bluegrass Country

Print Media Person of the Year

Juli Thanki, Engine145.com

Bluegrass Event of the Year

Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass and BBQ Festival; Branson, Mo.

Best Graphic Design

Ricardo Alessio and Erica Harris (designer and artist); Abigail Washburn (artist); Rounder (label)

Best Liner Notes

Colin Escott (writer), ‘A Mother’s Prayer,’ Ralph Stanley (artist); Rebel (label)