Rhonda Vincent 11.8.24

Walhalla Performing Arts Center
Walhalla, SC

Words & photos by C. Alan Crandall

If you’re a bluegrass fan and missed Rhonda Vincent & The Rage lighting up the Walhalla Performing Arts Center last Friday, November 8th, you missed one barn burner of a night! From the moment Rhonda and the band kicked things off with "City of New Orleans," the room was filled with that special magic only this Grammy-winning, Grand Ole Opry member can deliver. It was her 8th time playing Walhalla, and the packed house proved the hometown crowd can’t get enough of her. A seasoned professional, Rhonda has 57 years of performing before audiences. She was also just recently featured on the cover of the August edition of Bluegrass Unlimited. Of note, Rhonda had the crew turn up the house lights so she could see the audience, it was a nice touch and the lights remained up throughout the performance.

Backed by her award-winning band, The Rage—Mickey Harris on bass, Arron McDaris on banjo, Zack Arnold on guitar and mandolin, Adam Haynes on fiddle, and newcomer Jacob Metz on dobro—Vincent had the audience hooked on every note. The Rage, the most decorated band in bluegrass history, showed off their signature blend of virtuosity and down-home charm. Each member took a turn in the spotlight, giving fans solos that showcased the heart and soul of bluegrass. It was such a treat to watch musicians of this caliber performing in Walhalla.

Rhonda, known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, treated fans to tracks from her latest album, Destinations and Fun Places, released this past August. And to everyone’s delight, she even paid tribute to her friend and legend Dolly Parton with a rousing rendition of "9 to 5," which had folks clapping and tapping along. Rhonda and Dolly's voices recently joined forces on Rhonda’s new album, adding an extra dash of star power and warmth to the evening. One of my highlights was Vincent’s rousing version of “I Ain’t Been Nowhere.” The song was originally written by Chuck Mead as a parody of “I’ve Been Everywhere.” Vincent reworked it a bit during the pandemic and released it to help lift the spirits of house-bound bluegrass fans. Dolly Parton sang in the now famous video of Vincent and the Rage’s version, which is certainly a crowd-pleaser.

The sound in that historic Walhalla Performing Arts Center was top-notch. Originally a grade school built in 1903, this venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been lovingly restored by the community. It's now a beacon of culture and history in Upstate South Carolina, offering a world-class facility for music, conferences, and special events. The acoustics and atmosphere made it the perfect setting for Rhonda's show, and the building’s legacy added a layer of depth to the performance.

After the show, Rhonda and the band met with fans, making everyone feel like they were a part of her bluegrass family. It was a night for the books and a reminder that Rhonda Vincent & The Rage are still at the top of their game. With Rhonda set to join the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th birthday celebration in 2025, it’s clear her place in bluegrass and country music history is cemented. If you haven’t seen Rhonda Vincent live, do yourself a favor and catch her when she rolls through town.

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www.rhondavincent.com

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