Chris Thile of the Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek has won a MacCarthur “Genius” Grant. The mandolinist was one of two musicians to receive the honor this year. The award, which is given by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, consists of a $500,000 grant paid in yearly installments of $100,000 over five years, and is given to people who “show exceptional merit and promise for continued and enhanced creative work.” The Punch Brothers, a progressive bluegrass band, have released three albums, including this year’s Who’s Feeling Young Now. The band is currently on tour.