Missouri Valley, Iowa (National Traditional Country
Music Assn) - It's official! The crowning of the reigning "Queen of Bluegrass Music," Rhonda Vincent, will take place in Missouri Valley, Iowa, on
September 1, during the 31st
National Old Time Country & Bluegrass
Music Festival.
According to Bob Everhart, President of the National Traditional Country Music Assn., sponsors of the Old-time Music & Ag-Expo event, "We have pretty well locked up the opportunity to make Rhonda Vincent the official "Reigning Queen of Bluegrass Music" at our 31st festival this year. Rhonda is an incredible person, and her talent is beyond belief when it comes to not only playing and performing the music she loves, but producing and promoting it as well. We haven't had a figure in this style of music so powerful since Hank Williams Sr., left us the last of traditional country music when he passed away. There isn't any doubt in any bluegrasser's mind about who the reigning Queen of Bluegrass Music is, it's Rhonda Vincent. We have also picked an auspicious time to do this. The planet Mars will be as close to planet Earth during our festival as it gets every 60,000 years. So, on September 1st, when Mars will be at it's brightest (about the size of a normal full moon), we will officially crown Rhonda the "Reigning Queen of Bluegrass Music" which means she will hold that title for the next 60,000 years."
The festival Everhart is referring to, has been in existence since 1976, with determination and dedication, keeping America's very own traditional country and bluegrass music alive in the upper Midwest. "This musical genre, this art form, is all American," says Everhart. "It's as American as it gets. We still have those that denigrate it, but they are so far removed from the actual creation and performance of the music itself, the genre stands on it's own merit. We didn't have symphony orchestras hanging around the back ends of covered wagons when the pioneers settled our part of America, and though we lack and need the support of those same music fans now, we are still the legitimate stewards of America's rural music, and we just keep on keepin' on. This special ceremony crowning Rhonda Vincent the Queen of Bluegrass Music, is just a small step in garnering interest and respect for this genre of music. We expect to see Bluegrass music eventually overpower all other musical art forms in the United States, and perhaps the world, in the near future. Maybe it won't last 60,000 years, but it will definitely be the 'music' of the masses in the days ahead."
The dates for the festival Everhart directs, is August 28 through September 3, and boasts well over 600 old-time acoustic country and bluegrass performers, doing their thing on no less than 10 sound stages. Seven days of it, from 9am to midnight every day, and all of it in an acoustic format. Everhart, who is President of the National Traditional Country Music Assn., which keeps bluegrass and folk music in tact, claims "We have been doing this for 31 years now, and the profits from this event have gone to the establishment of a Pioneer Music Museum as well as America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Not only will Rhonda be crowned the "Queen of Bluegrass Music," she will be inducted into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame, along with her mom and dad, Carolyn and Johnny Vincent, as well as her two brothers Brian and Darrin Vincent. We'll make a night of it, since it only happens once every 60,000 years, with unanimous approval by our membership, Rhonda will also receive our "Rising Legend" award this year."
There is even talk that Dr. Ralph Stanley may be on hand to help with the placement of the tiara on Rhonda, but not confirmed. What is confirmed is the appearances by other famous celebrities: Tommy Horton (son of Johnny Horton); Jimmy C. Newman (from the Grand Ole Opry); Jody Miller (hit song Queen of the House); Bobby Lewis (from the Grand Ole Opry, the only performer ever to play the lute on that program); Dusty Owens (from the Iowa Barn Dance and Red Foley Show); Terry Smith (composer of Far Side Banks of Jordan); Jim Ed Brown (from the Grand Ole Opry); Carlene Carter (attending to participate in the acoustic tribute to Johnny Cash); Stella Parton (Dolly's sister); Larry Cordle (Murder on Music Row); C W McCall (in frail health, but his Convoy is still functioning); and four of the original Hank William's Sr. Drifting Cowboys in a special Acoustic Tribute to the Music of Hank Williams, Sr. You might even find Bob & Sheila Everhart performing some of their Grammy nominated music during the festival they created and direct.
It all takes place at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Missouri Valley, Iowa, nestled in the beautiful Loess Hills of the Missouri River Valley, just north of Omaha, Nebraska. August 28-September 3, more information is available at 712-762-4363.
