Grammy Nominees Steve Martin And The Steep Canyon Rangers To Headline 2012 UMB Big Bash Concert

Kansas City, MO (Top40 Charts/ UMB Big Bash) Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers will perform for the second annual UMB Big Bash concert in Kansas City on June 21, 2012. Tickets go on sale March 16, 2012. For more information, call 816.421.BASH (2274) or visit UMBBigBash.org.

"We were thrilled at the success of the inaugural UMB Big Bash and are so pleased to attract another world-class entertainer to Kansas City for the second year of our fundraising event"

The Midland Theater by AMC is the perfect venue to host the bluegrass band as they entertain concert-goers with songs from their Grammy®-nominated and critically-acclaimed album, Rare Bird Alert. Event proceeds will benefit Women's Employment Network and Children's Center for the Visually Impaired.

"We were thrilled at the success of the inaugural UMB Big Bash and are so pleased to attract another world-class entertainer to Kansas City for the second year of our fundraising event," said Mariner Kemper, event honorary co-chairperson chairman and CEO of UMB Financial Corporation. "The caliber of entertainment ensures this will be a memorable evening for the local businesses and individuals who join us in supporting two very deserving local charities."

Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers have found a solid following among the modern bluegrass scene, having toured together for nearly three years. The band has performed at Bonnaroo, New Orleans' Jazzfest and The Newport Folk Festival. Along with a Grammy® nomination, they accepted the award for 'Entertainer of the Year' at the 2011 International Bluegrass Association Awards.

UMB Big Bash has committed nearly $200,000 dollars to local non-profit organizations since the inaugural UMB Big Bash concert in 2011. Each year, the event's proceeds benefit two pre-selected, not-for-profit organizations. Past charity beneficiaries are Cultivate Kansas City and Reach Out and Read Kansas City.

UMB Big Bash proceeds support the efforts of local, mid-sized not-for-profits with the goal to improve the community in a positive way, with special emphasis on strengthening families, restoring neighborhoods, developing future leaders and improving health and wellness. The 2012 beneficiaries and their funded programs include:

Women's Employment Network (WEN) -Employment Preparation and Career Transitioning Program:
A five-week core training program to prepare women for career advancement and/or re-entry into the workforce. WEN's service deliverables are designed with a focus on personal responsibility in efforts to help women build self-esteem and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Children's Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) -Infant Program:
A multi-sensory, nationally accredited development program to help visually impaired and blind infants thrive in a sighted world. CCVI is the only school of its kind in the KC area providing special instruction and therapies to blind and visually impaired children birth to age three.