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  • Steve Martin performs with the Steep Canyon Rangers.

    “I can’t believe I’m playing at the Highline Ballroom, and neither can my movie career,” joked Steve Martin when he took the stage with his banjo to the sound of a crowd of excited fans. That’s right, Steve Martin, that wild and crazy guy.

    Beside being an actor and comedian, Martin is also an accomplished musician. “Tonight I’m doing two of my favorite things: comedy, and charging people to hear music,” he quipped.

    New York is just one stop on Martin’s schedule as he promotes Rare Bird Alert, a new bluegrass album featuring The Steep Canyon Rangers.

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    Fans of Martin’s know that he is no stranger to the banjo; Rare Bird Alert is the follow-up to 2009’s Grammy winning The Crow.

    With the new album, the famous actor, author, comedian and musician gives a new twist to bluegrass by infusing comedy in his songs, making the style more accessible to those unfamiliar with the genre.

    “Jubilation Day” is a diddy about walking away from a crazy partner. “Let’s remember the good times…like when you were out of town.”

    “Atheists Don’t Have No Song” is another favorite, written with the thought that all other religions have tailored music why not atheism?

    But Rare Bird Alert is not all about laughs.

    Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers are absolute masters of the strings, and provide harmonized vocals that penetrate the soul.

    Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks even lend their vocal talents to two of the album’s thirteen original songs, all written by Martin.

    “You” (sung by the latter) is powerful and catchy enough to be a top 100 piece, should it ever get mainstream airplay.

    Rare Bird Alert is now available in three formats: the standard CD, vinyl and a deluxe edition that will include specially created trading cards featuring performers on the album.

    As enjoyable as it is to take in Martin’s talent via his record, his live show is an unforgettable delight.

    Every song begins with a personal anecdote or a funny segue, such as when Martin stopped during his performance to show the crowd his iPad, or as he liked to call it, his “$800 set-list.”

    Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers are performing at Joe’s Pub on March 16th and 17th, and will continue to tour throughout the United States.

    They can also be caught covering the talk show circuit this week. They will be featured on “The Late Show with David Letterman” on March 16; The View on March 17; and The Colbert Report on March 21.

    For more information about Steve Martin’s tour schedule, Rare Bird Alert or The Steep Canyon Rangers, visit SteveMartin.