There is an accumulated American cultural reflex that almost demands that we laugh every time that we see Steve Martin holding a banjo. That reaction has been pre-programmed through countless comedy sketches where Martin has used the banjo as a prop for his comedy. This fall, in Reno, spectators will be treated to a still unexpected reversal of that formula. A banjo-toting Martin will use comedy as a prop in a bluegrass show that has garnered wide national acclaim.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers lands in Reno as part of the Artown Encore series at the Grand Sierra Resort Grand Theatre this fall.
Martin is at the top of his game. The songs on his latest disc ‘The Crow,’ have landed him a Grammy Award, and growing recognition as a relentlessly creative artist whose work as an author, musician, and actor have all been remarkably successful.
But Martin will pepper in a bit of comedy throughout his bluegrass act, most likely because he cannot help himself. Between banjo solos and rollicking fiddle-and-banjo tunes, you might hear Martin refer to his ill-fated attempt to become a protest singer ala Pete Seeger or Joan Baez — an artistic move that came to a screeching halt after Martin penned his first protest song ‘Let’s Keep the Minimum Wage Right Where She’s At.’ Or you might be treated to Martin’s rendition of the first gospel tune for atheists — ‘Atheists Ain’t Got No Songs.’
The laughs will remind you that the man picking away like mad at his banjo is also a comic genius.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers perform on Oct. 5. Tickets start at $40. Available online at renoisartown.com, by phone at (800) 648-3568, or in person with no service fees at the Grand Sierra Resort box office.
