Displaying items by tag: awardwinning

Famously crowned "The New Queen of Bluegrass" by the Wall Street Journal, Rhonda Vincent's music incorporates savvy contemporary touches while drawing deeply from the authentic traditions of classic bluegrass, with a flawless band that can execute break-neck instrumentals to heart-wrenching ballads. With over 100 awards to their name, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage are the most celebrated band in bluegrass, including Song of the Year, Entertainer of the Year and the unrivaled 7 consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year at IBMA. The Rage is compiled of five musicians including Hunter Berry, Brent Burke, Mickey Harris, Aaron Mcdaris and Josh Williams.

Rhonda Vincent’s new single, “LIKE I COULD” is the RESULT OF A CHAIN REACTION

Rhonda Vincent is no stranger to most anyone in the field of music. Why even Elton John and Bernie Taupin enlisted Rhonda and her iconic friend Dolly Parton, to create a “Queen of Bluegrass” version of their song “Please” for their 50th Anniversary Tribute CD in 2018.

The Grammys honored Rhonda Vincent & The Rage with the 2017 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album “All The Rage – Volume One” a live project that displays the World Class Talent of Rhonda and her incredible band. She’s one of the hardest working entertainers, in any genre of music, touring an incredible eleven months out of the year. It’s been far too long since the “Queen of Bluegrass” settled down in the studio to create new music, and finally the wait is over.

There wasn’t a song search, or a target recording date. Frankly, the entire process was a continuous chain reaction. The songs presented themselves in the most unlikely of places. The first single, “LIKE I COULD” was discovered while riding in a limousine with Grand Ole Opry Star, Jeannie Seely. Jeannie was sharing her fear of co-writing, and how she finally faced her fear, at the encouragement of fellow Opry member Bill Anderson by writing “LIKE I COULD” with Erin Enderlin and Bobby Tomberlin. She sang her new song as the shuttled rolled along. Rhonda instantly loved it and told Jeannie she wanted to record it. Jeannie, in total amazement, later texted Rhonda to ask if she really wanted to record it or was it merely an impulse reaction. Rhonda really loved it and could not wait to record it.

Even the recording was unplanned. Rhonda was at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN recording a duet for Jeannie Seely’s upcoming project. It was a duet intended for Vince Gill, but when Vince started working on the duet, he felt the harmony was better suited for Rhonda, and called Jeannie to suggest she call Rhonda to sing it with her.

Jeannie’s producer Don Cusic scheduled a day for Rhonda to record at Ocean Way Studios, and as the duet was completed, Don’s afternoon session was canceled. Overhearing this, Rhonda asked if she could have the afternoon session. She quickly called musicians, called Jeannie for a demo and lyrics for her song, and two hours later the new single was recorded.

While this may seem unorthodox for some, Rhonda thrives on living for the moment, and making the most of each opportunity as it presents itself. This was never more evident as you discover the many elements, from the process of finding the songs for the new upcoming project, to the actual recording of the single “LIKE I COULD.”

Rhonda is constantly thinking of new adventures, songs, opportunities, and she loves the excitement and challenge of putting together a plan at the last minute. Anyone who has ever worked with Rhonda Vincent, knows they must be ready at a moment’s notice. There could be an impromptu recording session, a midnight drive to Canada to see Niagara Falls, a video shoot, or even a jam session aboard the Larry’s Country Diner/Country’s Family Reunion Cruise. Her motto is to always be ready for anything. It’s one of the secrets to her success, and a sure sign of the success of her new single “LIKE I COULD.“

Sugar and the Mint (Formerly Generation Band) was started by The Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona in February 2011. Students were chosen by audition and initially it was formed as a youth cultural music conservatory. In 2014, Sugar and the Mint (Generation) parted ways with Sharlot Hall Museum, (after the program lost funding) and ventured out on its own. They have since become a professional and dynamic young musical group. They play a blend of new old-time, contemporary bluegrass and indie-folk music. They have performed at venues and events such as the The Prescott Opry, Yavapai College, The Yavapai County Fair, Payson Fiddle Festival, The Raven Cafe, Tim’s Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, Tempe Festival of the Arts, Prescott Farmer’s Market, Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival, Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival, Prescott’s Folk Music Festival, Town of Bagdad, AZ, Arts Prescott Coop Gallery, Acker Night Musical Showcase and many others. They can often be seen playing informally at Prescott's Courthouse Square during various Arts and Crafts Fairs.

In 2014, they won FIRST PLACE at the Payson Fiddle-in-Band competition and FIRST PLACE at The Old-time Country Band competition at the Wickenburg Fiddle championships. In 2015, they took THIRD PLACE at Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass Festival and were honored to play in the second round on the main stage. In 2016, Sugar and the Mint (at that time GENERATION) took FIRST PLACE at the 2016 Pickin' in the Pines Music Festival in Flagstaff, and FIRST PLACE at the 2016 Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival Gospel Band Competition, in Wickenburg, Arizona.

They are frequently employed to play music at festivals, private parties, weddings, fund raising events, local school events, local eateries, art galleries, and church events.