Bonnaroo Band of the Day: Steep Canyon Rangers

Bonnaroo Artist | Steep Canyon Rangers
Bonnaroo History | 2010 (with Steve Martin)
Stage & Time | TBA

As we’ve been doing for the past several years now, we’re making it our mission to help you get acquainted with as many bands as we can from Bonnaroo‘s impressive 2016 lineup. We’ll start from the bottom and work our way up, paying special attention to the smaller and lesser known acts on this year’s bill. Keep reading for your Bonnaroo Band of the Day…

LEARN |

North Carolina-based bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers have been active for the better part of 15 years, making records and even hosting their own annual festival. However, it was their Grammy win in 2013 for “Best Bluegrass Album” and their collaborations with Steve Martin helped bolster the group’s broader public recognition. Martin has been a longtime supporter and collaborator with the band since 2009, when they performed together for the first time at a benefit concert in Los Angeles. Since then, they’ve released a collaborative album, the critically-acclaimed Rare Bird Alert, and acted as Martin’s backing band for his own solo efforts with Edie Brickell. Last year, The Rangers went back to their solo roots for their record RADIO, and now have a busy summer tour schedule planned in support of the release. Musically, the group’s new LP is lush and intricate, but it also wastes no time in getting to the point.

The Steep Canyon Rangers come from an area that is deeply rooted in bluegrass and folk, and draw huge influences from the heroes of their state such as Doc Watson and James Taylor. What is most intriguing about the sextet is their innate ability to create a powerhouse of sound with their respective instruments in venues like festivals and arenas, which is no easy feat for a bluegrass outfit. Make sure you check out their set when you head down to Bonnaroo later this year, if you’re fiending for a bluegrass fix on the farm.

LISTEN | “As I Go”