Steve Martin made his debut as a “wild and crazy guy” and was known as a stand-up comedian and comedic actor.  But Martin has an impressive hidden talent that far outweighs his comedy – that of a banjo virtuoso!

And for the pat 14 years Martin has presented a prize to masters of the banjo.

On December 17, Martin named  Canadian artist Allison de Groot and American Tray Wellington as the 2024 recipients of the Banjo Prize.  Each artist will receive a cash prize of $25,000.

Speaking on the Banjo Prize Martin said, “the acknowledgement of these unique and talented musicians continues to thrill me.”

Winnipeg native Allison de Groot is an award winning player and one of the preeminent clawhammer players in North America.

Speaking on her playing, de Groot said, “it still feels just as exciting as it did the first day I picked it up,” she shares of her relationship with her instrument. “I feel like I could live 100 lifetimes and explore the banjo.”

Tray Wellington is a three-finger style banjo player from Raleigh, North Carolina.  Along with traditional Bluegrass music, Wellington uses the influence of numerous musical genres in his music including jazz and hip-hop.

In 2019, he won the International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Award.

Speaking on his music Wellington said, “exploring h

ad always been part of my personality since I was a kid! Music is the same way for me.  Since I started playing banjo at 14, I had ideas for how I could constantly expand my musical vision and make my personality shine through banjo. Every day I am still on that journey and cannot wait to continue this pursuit.”