Rhonda Vincent, dubbed the “new queen of bluegrass” by the Wall Street Journal, is continuing her reign with a recent addition of a dobro (resophonic guitar) player to the band, a planned release of her first-ever all-gospel project and a seemingly never-ending tour.
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage will be making a stop at Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square in Nelsonville, Sunday for a special matinee show, said Brian Koscho, the marketing and promotions coordinator for Stuart’s Opera House.
The show will be the first performance at Stuart’s featuring the newest member of the band, Brent Burke.
"The people that I travel with all share this great love for the music and the traveling as well,” Vincent said. “That love is something that we hope folks take away from the show.”
Burke made his debut with Rhonda Vincent and the Rage as dobro player Dec. 10 at the Grand Ole Opry.
“I think we all are easy-going and get along well, both on and off the stage,” he said. “I think that carries over to the stage. We all have that drive to want to play good music.”
All of the members that make up the Rage are exactly the type of people Vincent said she was hoping to perform with when she first started looking for band members.
“They tailor themselves to fit the vibe of the song, and together, they create this all-new sound,” she said. “ It’s so great to see them interacting, because the rapport among them is so important.”
Both Burke and Vincent agreed that the audiences are what make each show different and exciting.
"I’ve have spent three years prior to now on the road, but each time is always a new experience,” Burke said. “Traveling and seeing new places and playing for new people is what I enjoy each and every time.”
The band will be releasing a new gospel project early this summer, complete with a CD and DVD.
Vincent said she is looking forward to releasing music with the new sound from the dobro, and she can’t wait for others to hear it.
“It’s high-energy,” Vincent said. “I mean, there is something for everyone through the energy and love we try and convey. I hope they have a great evening of family entertainment.”
ao007510@ohiou.edu
