NASHVILLE, Tenn – The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced the final nominations for the 2018 International Bluegrass Music Awards. The announcement was made during a press conference held Wednesday, July 25, 2018, in Nashville, TN and aired live on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction channel. Kyle Cantrell, popular radio host and esteemed member of the music industry, hosted the live press conference.
The GRAMMY award-winning “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent, along with members of her band The Rage, were named in several of the coveted award nominations.
- Female Vocalist of the Year – Rhonda Vincent
- Guitar Player of the Year – Josh Williams
- Fiddle Player of the Year – Hunter Berry
- Recorded Event of the Year – “Calamity Jane” featuring Rhonda Vincent (with Becky Buller)
Upon learning of the nominations, Rhonda Vincent shared: “It is so exciting to see these world-class musicians honored for their excellent musicianship with IBMA nominations. I truly feel that I travel with the best of the best and it’s exciting to watch as they receive such recognition for their amazing skills. It is our goal to share the passion, respect, and love of bluegrass music with the world. We are thankful for the opportunity to have a career that is family oriented and represents our Christian values. We humbly give God the glory in everything we do. We can’t thank you enough for supporting us.”
The awards are selected by voting members of the International Bluegrass Music Association, an organization of bluegrass peers.
Rhonda Vincent was awarded her first IBMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 2000. She holds the record with seven consecutive wins, 2000 – 2006, and then again in 2015; for a total of 8 IBMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” awards.
Josh Williams was awarded “Guitar Player of the Year” in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Hunter Berry hopes to bring home his first IBMA win for “Fiddle Player of the Year.”
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage retain what many believe is the most rigorous touring schedule, in any genre of music, traveling around the world. They are the most award-winning band in bluegrass music history, continuing to blaze new trails with a fresh approach showing their incredible passion and love for bluegrass music in every performance.
Their new project was filmed and recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium with Bluegrass Legends, Jesse McReynolds, Bobby, Osborne, Sonny Osborne, and Mac Wiseman. The project – Rhonda Vincent & The Rage with Bluegrass Legends “Live at the Ryman” on Upper Management Music – has been received with critical acclaim from industry and fans alike. The project is a historic display of their respect of bluegrass pioneers, and the tradition of the music.
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage will travel this week to New Mexico and Colorado, then continue their tour across the United States:
7/28 Alto, NM – Spencer Theater
7/29 Colorado Springs, CO – Rock Ledge Ranch
8/3 Parsons, WV – Pickin’ In Parsons
8/4 Milan, MI – Milan Bluegrass Festival
8/16 Gettysburg, PA – Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
8/17 Marion, NC – NC State Bluegrass Festival
8/18 Salyersville, KY – Magoffin County Community Day
8/23 Luray, VA – Page Valley Fair
8/25 Rogersville, New Brunswick CANADA
8/26 Rogersville, New Brunswick CANADA
8/31 Nashville, TN
9/1 Lebanon, OH – Warrne County Fairgrounds
9/2 Piketon, OH – Sam Jam
9/7 Memphis, TN – Halloran Centre for the Arts
9/14 Kodak, TN – Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival
9/15 Conway, MO – Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival
9/17 Branson, MO – Starlite Theater
9/21 & 9/22 Eldon, MO – Lake Ozark Speedway
10/4 Manteo, NC – www.
10/5 Athens, AL – TN Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention
10/6 Renfro Valley, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
10/13 Waldron, AR – Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival
10/18 The Woodlands, TX – The Big Barn
10/19 Farmers Branch, TX – Bloomin’ Bluegrass
10/20 Lanexa, VA – RockADome
10/25 Anderson, SC – Anderson Civic Center
10/26 Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center
10/27 York, PA – York Expo Center
11/2 Rochester, NY – Historic German House
11/3 Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater
11/4 Fairmont, WV – American Mountain Theater
11/9 Palatka, FL – Rodeheaver Boy’s Ranch
11/10 Walhalla, SC – Walhalla PAC
11/16 Fishersville, VA – All American Music Fest
11/17 Federalsburg, MD – A Curtis Andrew Auction