PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — Grammy Award-winning artist and Grand Ole Opry member Rhonda Vincent, often hailed as the “Queen of Bluegrass,” will headline the fourth concert in the Southern Maryland Bluegrass at the Elks Series on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Vincent and her band, The Rage, will take the stage at 2 p.m. at the Calvert Elks Lodge 2620, located at 1015 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick.
A Storied Career in Bluegrass
Vincent’s musical journey began in her hometown of Greentop, Missouri, where music was a family tradition spanning five generations. Her early years were spent performing with her family’s band, The Sally Mountain Show, which included television and radio appearances and their first recording when Vincent was just five years old. Over the years, she mastered instruments like the mandolin and fiddle, learning valuable lessons during live performances that shaped her career.
Her breakthrough moment came when her family performed in challenging conditions at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Despite playing to an empty audience in the rain, the performance caught the attention of Hal Durham, then-general manager of the Grand Ole Opry, leading to an invitation for the Vincent family to appear on the Opry stage.
Vincent’s solo career flourished after being discovered by Grand Ole Opry star Jim Ed Brown. Her pivotal bluegrass album, Back Home Again, released in 2000, earned her the title “New Queen of Bluegrass” by The Wall Street Journal.
The Most Decorated Band in Bluegrass
With over 100 awards to their name, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage are one of the most decorated acts in bluegrass music. Vincent has earned accolades such as the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, Entertainer of the Year (2001), and Song of the Year (2004). She also holds an unparalleled record of seven consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
In 2020, Vincent achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a Grand Ole Opry member. Her induction on February 6, 2021, marked another milestone, as she and her brother Darrin Vincent, of the duo Dailey & Vincent, became the first siblings to hold separate Opry memberships.
Collaborations and Performances
Vincent’s career has included collaborations with music legends across multiple genres, such as Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard. Her talent has also been showcased on major television programs like The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. She has performed the national anthem at NASCAR events and NFL games, including for the Kansas City Chiefs.
A Live Show to Remember
Known for her energetic performances, Vincent tours extensively, delivering over 120 headlining shows annually. She travels with her band on the “Bluegrass Express,” her iconic tour bus. Her Southern Maryland performance promises to showcase her powerful vocals and The Rage’s unparalleled musicianship.
The January 5 event begins at 2 p.m., with doors opening at noon. Tickets are $40 per person, with children under 12 admitted free with a paying adult. Food concessions, including hamburgers and hot dogs, will be available from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door, with advanced reservations held at the venue on the day of the show. For more details, visit www.somdbluegrass.com or call 301-737-3004.
Upcoming Concerts in the Series
The Southern Maryland Bluegrass Concert Series, hosted by Jay Armsworthy, will continue with the Lonesome River Band on February 9, followed by the Junior Sisk Band on March 2 and Donna Ulisse’s debut appearance on March 23. The series will conclude with Missy Raines and her band Alleghany, featuring the 10-time IBMA Bass Player of the Year.
Bluegrass Country Radio, a proud media sponsor, provides additional information about the series at www.bluegrasscountry.org.
For bluegrass enthusiasts, Rhonda Vincent’s upcoming performance is an unmissable opportunity to witness the genre’s reigning queen live in Southern Maryland.
