Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Sammy Shelor wins yet another award

Sammy Shelor is one of the Virginian/Appalachian musicians that we have interviewed in our soon to be released documentary and we would like to congratulate him on his most recent award!

He added so much to our story and our film adding his own insights into the music and the culture of the music of the Appalachian region as we knew that he would. It is great to see him recognized for his skills and knowledge by yet another esteemed group.

He is certainly no stranger to winning awards. He has been named as the International Bluegrass Music Association' Banjo Player of the Year four times and Huber banjos have made a signature model of Sammy Shelor banjos and fingerpicks to to name a few of his honors. His most recent honor has been named as this years' recipient of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass. This prize is quite an honor and also is accompanied by the $50,000 award money.

http://www.wdbj7.com/news/wdbj7-patrick-county-picker-wins-steve-martins-admiration-and-award-20110907,0,7089888.story

http://virginiafolklife.org/2011/09/folklife-showcase-presenter-sammy-shelor-named-steve-martin-prize-winner/

In case anyone was wondering, a similar award does not yet exist for mandolin players, but perhaps in time...

Congratulations Sammy! A well deserved award.

It is so nice to see that sometimes playing mountain music really can have some advantages! :)