Historic Masonic Theatre, Rhonda Vincent 

Rhonda Vincent is a firecracker of talent that powers one of the hottest bands in any genre of music today. Rhonda’s life of music evolved into a successful career in bluegrass music; after being discovered by Grand Ole Opry Star “Jim Ed Brown,” and later spending what she calls her musical college years recording for Giant Records; and learning about the music business from Nashville’s best like James Stroud, Jack McFadden, and Stan Barnett. It was her pivotal bluegrass album “Back Home Again” that transformed Rhonda Vincent into the All-American Bluegrass Girl, and crowned the New Queen of Bluegrass by “The Wall Street Journal” in 2000. A multi-award winner, with a 2017 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, an Entertainer of the Year 2001, Song of the Year 2004, and unprecedented 7 consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association 2000 – 2006, and an 8th win of IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year in 2015. Her lifelong dream came true when she was invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 28, 2020.

The Historic Masonic Theatre is an architectural treasure. Designed by the Lynchburg firm of Frye and Chesterman, and commissioned by Low Moor Masonic Lodge 166, the Theatre opened in September 1906. A three-story Beaux-Arts brick building, with an additional underground level, a pilastered facade, cove ceiling lobby, and original performance hall with stage, enriched proscenium and balcony, the historic theatre has been transformed into a performing art, entertainment, education, and community facility. The mission of the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation is to serve the greater Alleghany Highlands community with a variety of educational, entertainment, business and social programs; and to partner with organizations in need of a facility to host programs. By doing so, the Masonic Theatre and Amphitheatre will be utilized in providing first-class venues for performances as well as multi-use space for community activities.