Steve Martin, the Earls, Vincent and Larry’s Diner
I was honored to stand just off stage a few feet to the right of American Icon Steve Martin Oct. 1 as he accepted his IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award. Directing such a moment will be one of my greatest memories. He described his career of playing banjo as an “Oh No” each and everytime someone else innovated a style or technique he needed to learn. The honor is more than appropriate considering that his career has shined a light upon bluegrass legends and current talents. Alongside him receiving the same award were banjo stylist Murphy Henry, banjo stylist Alison Brown, the late Grand Ole Opry star Bashful Brother Oswald, and the International Bluegrass Music Museum.
The Earls of Leicester took top IBMA honors with awards for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Instrumental Group, Male Vocalist – Shawn Camp, Dobro Player – Jerry Douglas, and Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year – “Who Will Sing For Me.”
Rhonda Vincent won her eighth “Female Vocalist of the Year” award.
“Wow…it was a great night, sitting around with family at the lake, listening to the IBMA Awards via the internet, and hearing my name called as Female Vocalist of the Year!” says Rhonda Vincent. “We will be celebrating this weekend in Branson, Missouri at the Starlite Theater,” Rhonda continues. “It’s been an incredible year, and I am so honored to work with amazing musicians, and travel the world playing the music we love!” “Special thanks to our friends in the World of Bluegrass who shared their votes for this award!”
Vincent is also gearing up for her brand new holiday album, Christmas Time, set for release on Oct. 30.
RFD-TV welcomes new episodes of “Larry’s Country Diner” this October including country music stars Ronnie Reno, Moe Bandy, Exile, Randy Owen. As the show’s creator and host, Larry Black, progresses in his recovery from a serious ATV accident, additional guests like Bill Anderson, Larry Gatlin, Randy Owen and David Ball will fill in for him in typical Larry’s Country Diner fashion.
Airtimes are Saturday nights at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT, and Sundays at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT on RFD-TV.
