Steve Martin to be honored at Bluegrass Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Movie star, comedian and Grammy-winning musician Steve Martin will be honored by the International Bluegrass Music Association with a distinguished achievement award.

The association Wednesday announced special awards recipients and nominees for the International Bluegrass Music Awards, which will be presented Oct. 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The 69-year-old banjo player has become a bluegrass ambassador by introducing fans of his film and television work to the genre through his performances and albums with Edie Brickell and the Steep Canyon Rangers.

The supergroup Earls of Leicester leads with five nominations, including entertainer of the year, for their tribute to legendary artists Lester Flatts and Earl Scruggs.

Other nominees for entertainer of the year are Balsam Range, Hot Rize, The Gibson Brothers and The Del McCoury Band.