Arden, North Carolina (October 6, 2022) — Chris Jones and Grace van’t Hof of Chris Jones & The Night Drivers were recognized for their work in bluegrass beyond the band at last week’s International Bluegrass Music Association Industry Awards held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Each year, the industry awards are awarded to “professionals who are dedicated to furthering bluegrass music and its artists.”
Jones was named Broadcaster of the Year for his work on Sirius XM.
“Broadcasting is an important component of what I do professionally, so this recognition from my peers means a great deal to me,” says Jones. “The past year was a milestone year, marking my 20th anniversary with SiriusXM, and this award made the year that much more special for me.”
For the second year in a row, van’t Hof was named Graphic Designer of the Year.
“I became a graphic designer and illustrator because of my love of bluegrass music; I wanted to do anything I could that would involve me with its musicians and larger community,” says van’t Hof. “Because of this, receiving the award of Graphic Designer of the Year from IBMA is a profound affirmation to me, and I am humbled and grateful to be chosen by my peers for this honor.”
About Chris Jones & The Night Drivers
Whether it’s in the studio or on stage, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are making some of the most distinctively elegant yet driving music to be heard anywhere today, and they’re delivering it with a unique blend of dry wit, emotional authenticity and broad humor that’s won the loyalty of a growing number of fans across the country, from MerleFest in North Carolina to California’s Huck Finn Jubilee, and around the world.
Steve Martin referred to the Night Drivers as “. . . some of the best players in bluegrass! Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters.” Americana artist Jim Lauderdale said of Chris, “He continues to have one of the most distinctive and best voices in music, period.”
The band — which is Mark Stoffel on mandolin, Grace van’t Hof on banjo and ukelele and Marshall Wilborn on bass — is led by Chris’ soulful lead-singing, songwriting, and solid rhythm and lead guitar. Chris boasts extensive performance credits as a sideman with artists like Lynn Morris, Vassar Clements, Special Consensus, Dave Evans, Earl Scruggs, and the acclaimed Irish band The Chieftains.
Altogether, members of Chris Jones & The Night Drivers have won more than a dozen IBMA awards and have recorded more than ten #1 songs. The Night Drivers also bring name recognition in related fields, as bluegrass fans are well-familiar with Jones for his award-winning work as a SiriusXM DJ, on both Bluegrass Junction and Willie’s Roadhouse.