BREAKING: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage to Ignite Athens, Alabama with Bluegrass Power at the Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention
As autumn settles over the South, bringing with it crisp air and the golden hues of falling leaves, Athens, Alabama is preparing for one of its most anticipated musical traditions—the Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention. On October 4, 2025, the convention will welcome none other than Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, a band whose very name has become synonymous with excellence in bluegrass. Their appearance at McCandless Hall promises to be one of the highlights of the season, a performance that blends tradition, virtuosity, and heartfelt connection.
Known far and wide as the “Queen of Bluegrass,” Rhonda Vincent has spent decades shaping the genre and inspiring generations of musicians. Her crystal-clear voice, coupled with her mastery of the mandolin, has earned her countless accolades, including a Grammy Award and multiple International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards. With her band, The Rage, she has built a reputation for delivering performances that are both technically dazzling and emotionally stirring.
The Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention is the perfect setting for Vincent’s music. A festival that celebrates heritage, tradition, and the timeless joy of stringed instruments, it brings together fans and musicians from across the nation. For many, it is more than just a competition or a series of concerts—it is a gathering of community, a place where stories are told through banjos, fiddles, mandolins, and voices that carry the echoes of generations past.
The addition of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage to this year’s lineup elevates the festival to another level. Audiences can expect to hear crowd favorites like “Kentucky Borderline” and “Is the Grass Any Bluer”, alongside gospel selections and ballads that showcase the band’s unmatched harmonies. Each member of The Rage brings world-class musicianship, turning every song into an intricate tapestry of sound. Whether it’s the driving rhythm of the banjo, the sweet lilt of the fiddle, or the power of Vincent’s lead vocals, the music resonates in a way that is both joyful and deeply moving.
McCandless Hall, with its intimate acoustics and historic charm, will serve as the perfect stage for the performance. Unlike sprawling arenas, the venue allows for a closeness between artist and audience, something that Vincent has always valued. Her shows are known not only for musical brilliance but also for warmth—moments when she speaks directly to fans, shares stories, and creates the feeling of being part of one big family.
The Fiddlers Convention, now a legendary event in its own right, has long been a celebration of the roots of American music. To have a headliner like Rhonda Vincent reinforces the event’s commitment to showcasing the very best of bluegrass and old-time traditions. For attendees, the night will be more than a concert; it will be an immersion into the heart of Appalachian culture and the living history of American roots music.
For fans traveling to Athens, the performance is expected to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In an era where music often feels mass-produced, Vincent and her band offer something real—songs played with soul, skill, and sincerity. Their presence at the Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention is not just entertainment; it is a statement about the enduring power of bluegrass to bring people together.
As the date approaches, excitement continues to build. October 4th at McCandless Hall will not simply be a night of music; it will be a celebration of tradition, legacy, and the artistry of one of bluegrass’s greatest voices. For anyone who has ever tapped their foot to a fiddle tune, or found comfort in the lilt of a mandolin, this performance is one that cannot be missed.
On that autumn evening in Athens, when the first notes rise into the cool air, one truth will be clear: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage are not just performing at the Tennessee Valley Old-Time Fiddlers Convention—they are making history within it.