Banjo Player Jens Kruger Wins Steve Martin Prize
Banjo player extraordinaire Jens Kruger is the recipient of the fourth annual Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. Kruger, who performs with The Kruger Brothers along with Uwe Kruger and Joel Landsberg, is known for his innovative style that integrates folk music with European classical music. Jens is also the first prize winner born outside of the United States.
The award is given to a person or group who has given the board a fresh appreciation of this music, either through artistry, composition, innovation or preservation, and is deserving of a wider audience.