Artist Bio's
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage
Rhonda Vincent's life of music evolved into a successful career in bluegrass music after being discovered by Grand Ole Opry Star Jim Ed Brown. She learned about the music business from Nashville's best like James Stroud, Jack McFadden, and Stan Barnett. Her powerful vocal style transcends the boundaries of bluegrass music, as evidence in her collaboration with Dolly Parton on the Elton John/Bernie Taupin Tribue Project "Restoration" 2018. She was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 28, 2020.
Darin & Brooke Aldridge
Darin and Brooke Aldridge have spent over a decade amassing a loyal, active fan base, reaping awards, becoming Grand Ole Opry favorites with over 50 Opry performances, and releasing a string of critically acclaimed and commercially
successful albums and Number 1 singles.
Brooke is a four-time consecutive winner of the “Female Vocalist of the Year” for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Darin was a former member of the legendary bluegrass band The Country Gentlemen. He is an
IBMA “Mentor of the Year” award winner and a truly gifted singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Darin and Brooke have also been recognized with IBMA’s nomination for “Vocal Group of the Year”. On April 18, 2023, they were named “Bluegrass Artists of the Year” at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, TN. And in 2023
their smash hit single “Jordan “, featuring special guests Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain was nominated for IBMA’s “Gospel Recorded Event of the Year” as well as the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for “Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of The Year” and spent time at #1 on multiple Bluegrass/Gospel charts. Since the songs release in early 2023 it has amassed over 1 million combined views and streams and will be a staple in their setlist from now on.
Their current album, “Talk of the Town” was released in April 2024 and debuted at #1 on the distinguished Billboard Top Bluegrass Album Chart and remained there in the Top 5 for more than 5 weeks. It has produced 3 singles through August
2024 that reached the top of the singles chart in various industry charts.
Darin and Brooke, native North Carolinians, live in Cherryville NC where in 2023 their hometown honored them with a mural on Main Street as part of the famed N.C. Musicians Trail.
The Malpass Brothers
The Malpass Brothers are anything but a “throwback” cover group. Instead, they are the “real deal.” Mentored and credentialed by the biggest legends of bluegrass and country music, the brother duo continues to deliver new, yet traditional music in modern times (complete with pearl-snap shirts, Manuel/Nudie suits, over-shaped cowboy hats, and pompadour coiffure, just to drive home the point). Their firm “traditionalism” has captured the attention of the industry and traditional country fans, leading to their worldwide notoriety.
Southern Legacy
The newly formed band "Southern Legacy" features the Tony Rice style-playing of Josh Williams, and the high tenor singing and mandolin picking of Don Rigsby. All the members have played with Tony Rice at one time or another. He is one of the most influential musicians in the history of bluegrass and acoustic music in general. Southern legacy continues the legacy of bluegrass and maintains the spirit and the essence of bluegrass.
Olivia Jo
Olivia Jo is an up-and-coming bluegrass artist and versatile singer-songwriter. The artist got her start in music as a child growing up in the foothills of southwest Virginia, an area rich in traditional bluegrass and acoustic music. She recorded two bluegrass albums by the time she was 12 years old with which she enjoyed moderate success and gained exposure in radio and television. Her passionate, powerful vocals coincide with her honest, heartfelt delivery on stage, creating an enjoyable experience for both bluegrass and country fans. She has most recently released three bluegrass singles, all landing on national charts (The Roots Music Report, Cashbox, The Bluegrass Jamboree, etc.) Her latest single, "Nothing to Lose" featuring bluegrass vocalist and instrumentalist Lou Reid, was #1 on The Bluegrass Jamboree Top 100 for June 2023. Olivia Jo is eager to continue her musical journey in bluegrass where her love for music began.
Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
Russell Moore formed IIIrd Tyme Out in 1991, and bluegrass music hasn’t been the same since. IIIrd Tyme Out helped to usher in a new era of youthful, energetic bluegrass, and establish his own unique sound. IIIrd Tyme Out has been named IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year seven times, with Russell being the most-awarded male vocalist in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Awards (six awards and counting). Since 1991, IIIrd Tyme Out has been headlining bluegrass festivals and topping bluegrass charts with hits including “Moundsville Pen,” “Erase The Miles,” “John and Mary,” “Raining In L.A.,” “I’m Leaving Detroit”, “The Best Durn Ride,” and “Lovin’ You, Goin’ Blind” are all staples on bluegrass radio. The band’s latest album, It’s About Tyme generated rave reviews from fans and critics alike, and produced a handful of chart-toppers, including “Brown County Red,” “I’m Leaving You and Fort Worth Too,” and “Cottontown.”
Lonesome River Band
Since its formation decades ago, Lonesome River Band continues its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year, and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor leads the group that is constantly breaking new ground in acoustic music. With two stellar lead vocalists, Jesse Smathers (guitar) and Adam Miller (mandolin), and the impressive talents of Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Kameron Keller (bass), the band seamlessly comes together, performing the trademark sound that fans continue to embrace.
Authentic Unlimited
Authentic Unlimited Band offers a powerful and energetic approach to bluegrass music. The band will bring a fresh, new image complete with a combination of many years of musical experience.
Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, and Stephen Burwell were members of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver until Lawson announced his retirement. With Lawson’s blessing and guidance, the three decided to pick up the torch and carry it forward.
The roster was made complete with the addition of sensational vocalist John Meador and mandolin extraordinaire Jesse Brock.
The Grascals
Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years.
Their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts entrenched in niche genres. Such appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk. Honors also include performing twice for President George W. Bush and at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball at the Smithsonian.
Cotton Pickin Kids
We are the "Cotton Pickin Kids"! The Cipollari's are a family of 13 who grew up singing and playing Bluegrass music. As the saying goes "Bluegrass is the best music because it sounds the same when the power goes out." Each child was taught at a young age to play various instruments whether it be the guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle or harmonica. They would often play for family and social gatherings. On one occasion a gentleman asked Fabio "Papa" Cipollari what was their band's name, Fabio laughed "We don't have one yet." The man responded "Well those kids can sure pick and Fabio said those Cotton Pickin Kids can sure pick, and that is how we got our name. We are so grateful for being born and raised in such a large and loving family, smack dab in the heart of Alabama. You really can't ask for much more than that. We are truly "Cotton Pickin Blessed"