This wasn't Rhonda Vincent's first night at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, she told the crowd. When she was a kid, her family was booked to play music at one venue every day from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. She dreamed of being on the state fair's big stage. She thanked Governor Jay Nixon and a few others for putting bluegrass in the spotlight. And, in fact, Bluegrass Day at the fair felt like a bluegrass festival with critters. The fact that Vincent was clearly excited and humbled by the opportunity made for a special evening. She was charming.
Vincent and her band (the fiddler is her son-in-law) were polished, exceptional musicians and seemed to be having a great time together. It was straight-ahead, solid bluegrass that drew a strong crowd response.