To say that 2015 has been a big year for ‘The Queen of Bluegrass’ Rhonda Vincent would be an understatement. She has transcended beyond the All American Bluegrass Girl who stole the nation’s heart with her genuine songs and charismatic personality, by expanding her sound globally. With a highly successful European summer tour, IBMA and Dove nominations, along with a Christmas album on the way, it has been a monumental year for the 15-time “Entertainer of the Year.”
“I was so surprised to find out the Czech Republic is the “Bluegrass Capitol” of Europe. The response to our shows was overwhelming” said an excited Rhonda Vincent. “I guess you could say we’re bluegrass jet setters, as we’ve traveled to 9 different countries in only the last 30 days, and I’m loving every minute, as we share our music with the World!”
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced their finalists for the 2015 awards ceremony, and Vincent has secured a nomination for “Female Vocalist of the Year.” After winning this exact award an unprecedented 7 consecutive years, from 2000 – 2006; in addition to “Entertainer of the Year” in 2001, she is no stranger to this annual event. Also, up for “Guitar Player of the Year” is fellow Rage member Josh Williams, who is already a 3-time winner in this category.
After exploding into the Gospel genre with her 2012 album Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ LIVE!, Vincent returns to this familiar territory, after picking up 2 nominations at the 46th Annual Dove Awards, both coming in the category for “Bluegrass Song of the Year.” The song, “God is There,” is the inspirational collaboration with fellow Bluegrass singer/songwriter Lizzy Long. The cut comes from Long’s latest album, Blueberry Pie, and sees Vincent and Long trading vocals back-and-forth on the touching ballad. Also nominated is the track, “Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man,” which is part of Volume Five’s latest album Voices. The song was originally written and recorded in 1970 by Country icon Dolly Parton, alongside the late Grand Ole Opry Member and TV star Porter Wagoner. The awards take place in Nashville, Tenn. on Oct. 13 at the Allen Arena.
Not to be limited by genre boundaries, Vincent is also featured on two brand new Pop and Folk songs. “One Life” is the latest single by Canadian sensation Chris Janz, and was released earlier this month. The encouraging tune takes listeners on a journey, with its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody. Vincent is also featured on Jon Pousette-Dart’s brand new album Talk. The project, produced by Nashville’s legendary producer Bil VornDick, was released in late July.
Vincent is also back in the United States, following her SOLD OUT 2015 European Tour. The extraordinary excursion kicked off in Jablonec, Czech Republic on July 9 with what was supposed to be one show, but turned into a two-show affair after the first quickly sold out seven months in advance. The area has a history of being major supporters of the genre, often being referred to as the “Bluegrass Capitol” of Europe. From there, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage made their way to Breim, Norway, where they performed a show at a historic church, and at Norsk Country Treff for over 8,000 fans. Next, the most awarded band in bluegrass music history, traveled to Amsterdam to play at the world famous Paradiso, which has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones. Then came the Best Music 2015 on the Marketplatz in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, and to close things out, Vincent made her highly-anticipated return to Laufen, Switzerland for two more sold-out shows.
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will soon hit the road again, aboard the Martha White Bluegrass Express, and begin a countdown of 41 remaining performance dates for 2015. They travel next to Canada, then back to the USA for the rest of the year!