Somewhere in the neighborhood of 13,000 people were on hand at Ravinia to watch Steve Martin blaze away on his banjo, ripping into one bluegrass song after another, along with his band, The Steep Canyon Rangers. The famous comedian treated the curious - and thoroughly entertained – crowd to a wide variety of songs ranging from a love song he had written for his wife, “Best Love” to the comedic “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs”.    

Steve Martin was in classic form utilizing his dry wit and humor between each song, but it was his demonstration of dazzling talent on the banjo that became the evening’s true focal point. Tabbed by International Bluegrass Association Awards as the 2011 Entertainers of the Year, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers were as enjoyable to watch as some songs funny. And what better confines to have such an eventful show as Ravinia itself.

The Steep Canyon Rangers were tight and they were precise. Fiddle player Nicky Sanders could have successfully entertained the crowd with his own show as he flex around his instrument like a raging maniac. To spotlight their tremendous vocal skills, the band also performed a beautiful a cappella number without Steve Martin (while he was off Googling himself as he later claimed) called “I Can’t Sit Down.

A truly entertaining show in every aspect of the word, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers lived up to the hype and beyond. As one of the first shows to kick off the official summer season, Ravinia struck gold with this one. Great comedy, music and ambience – what could make a better night?