The devil went down to Georgia, and bluegrass superstar Rhonda Vincent is coming down to Columbus.
The singer, who also plays fiddle and mandolin, will perform with her band The Rage Saturday at the Rent Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Vincent is a celebrity in the world of bluegrass, having won numerous awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association and the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America.
Starkville wonder-kids Nash Street will open for Vincent.
The event is being sponsored by the Columbus Arts Council.
Vincent’s hit songs “You Can’t Take It With You When You Go” and “If Heartaches Had Wings” have appeared on Country Music Television. Vincent also recently performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Bluegrass music has found its way into the mainstream as of late, due in large part to bands such as Nickel Creek.
Though Vincent has not found her way into the mainstream to a large degree, she has done quite well in the world of bluegrass. Vincent has won “Entertainer of the Year” in 2001 and “Female Vocalist of the Year” three times from the International Bluegrass Music Association. She has also won “Entertainer of the Year” in 2002 and “Best Female Vocalist” numerous times from the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America.
When the Columbus Arts Council learned Vincent’s normal openers couldn’t make it to Columbus, they turned to Nash Street.
“She is a great musician and singer,” said Hannah Melby, one of Nash Street’s two fiddlers. “We’ve seen her on CMT and I can’t believe we get to open for her. We’ve been told that she’s excited that young people like us will be involved. That is so encouraging.”
Nash Street plays a variety of music, from pre-1940s bluegrass to contemporary country covers from artists such as The Dixie Chicks.
The band recently won the youth talent contest at the Mississippi State Fair in Jackson and the talent contest at the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia.
Claire Jackson, representative of the Columbus Arts Council, said Saturday will be the first time their organization has ever had bluegrass music.
“It’s groundbreaking for us,” Jackson said. “Rhonda is pretty contemporary. We try to offer a wide range of music style.”
Jackson also said the opportunity will be great for Nash Street.
“We have one of their CDs and have been trying to work them into our line up for a while,” Jackson said. “It will be a good chance for them to really get their name out there.”
Pete Melby, the father of two members of Nash Street, said the band can’t wait to open for Vincent.
“They are really excited about meeting her,” Melby said. “She’s probably among the top two female bluegrass performers.”
Tickets are $20 and are available by phone or at the door. Call 328-2787 for more information.