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Rhonda Vincent is headlining this weekend's Nothin' Fancy Bluegrass Festival, in Buena Vista. Below is the text of an e-mail Q&A with the seven-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's female vocalist of the year.

Q: This is kind of a goofy question, I know. But when I go to your Web site, there's a huge photo of you and the rage, and at the lower right, there's a Martha White watermark. This takes me back to the days when bands like yours did radio shows and pitched flour and things like that.

Are they a sponsor of your show, and how did that deal happen?

A: During a recording session in 2001, the musicians were still hanging around.
They said, let's keep recording, but I didn't have any songs. I said, I've always wanted to record The Martha White Theme. They ran to their mics, and without rehearsal, we recorded the song.
I then sent the song and a letter to Martha White, explaining that I would love to represent their company.

We have now traveled in the Martha White Bluegrass Express (our tour bus) in the tradition of Flatt & Scruggs; and been sponsored by Martha White for 7 years now.

We love to sing their song in appreciation for all the great things Martha White does for us.

Q: Your latest record, "Good Thing Going," has ridden high and long on the Billboard and Roots Music Report charts. To what do you credit that great success?

A: We always try to create something fresh, new, and different from previous projects; yet keeping within the parameters of style. The songs dictate the theme.

It's always kinda scary until the CD is released, to find out if they like the songs.
On Good Thing Going, I am proud to have written 5 of the 12; and I'm thrilled it continues to be at the top of the Billboard Charts.

Q: What do you have planned to follow up on that record?

A: We have just started recording the next project. We are recording this project with a new approach, new song types, and new guests. If the musicians are any indication, it should be very well received.

They said they had a great time recording the songs. And when I even discussed changing something; they said not to touch a thing. Leave it just like it is. It's always exciting to create something new.

Even more exciting when the people around you share that enthusiasm. It's several months from being released, but we plan to once again post "Join The Journey II" at www.rhondavincent.com so you can track our progress.

Q: At least seven times, you've won the IBMA female vocalist of the year award, and you're deeply in the mix again this year for the Oct. 2 awards. Does that ever get old hat? I understand you're a founding member, but still ...

A: It never gets old. It's always exciting to be recognized for the work you do. The Rage and I are fans first of the bluegrass music.

We work very hard, and travel the road many miles. It's wonderful to be honored by our peers for doing what we love.

Q: That said, The Bluegrass Blog last year published an open letter from you about some issue you had. You wanted more exposure at the event for individual musician winners, and you had concerns about whether the possible telecast of the IBMA awards would lead to watered down content of the presentations themselves. Have those issues been resolved to something approaching your satisfaction?

A: I wrote that letter to bring an awareness to the members of IBMA.

I am glad they have brought back the individual musician winners. There are still many issues that need to be resolved. I believe the organization should reflect the goals of its members.

Q: What led you to take such a leadership role in the bluegrass community?

A: I'm a fan of the music. I want to see bluegrass continue in a positive way.

It's exciting to see the young musicians grow into professionals. And important to have growth; yet keep the traditions and values our music was built on.

Q: We interviewed your brother, Darrin, and his musical buddy, Jamie Dailey, for a recent Dailey and Vincent show in the area. You guys have been playing music together since you were kids, and he produced "Good Thing Going," playing bass and singing harmonies. Do you think you two would ever collaborate on a Vincent siblings record?

A: Maybe.