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www.shelbyinfo.com Our 43RD Year • Issue No. 6 • February 12, 2026
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Earl Scruggs Center to host 2026 Remembering Earl Concert Concert features Rhonda Vincent and The Rage and Darin & Brooke Aldridge The Earl Scruggs Center will host the 2026 Remembering Earl Concert on Saturday, April 18, at the Crest High School Auditorium, bringing two powerhouse bluegrass acts to Cleveland County for an unforgettable evening of music honoring the life and legacy of Earl Scruggs. The concert will feature Rhonda Vincent and The Rage and Darin & Brooke Aldridge, artists with deep roots in bluegrass who reflect the spirit of Earl Scruggs himself. The annual Remembering Earl Concert serves as a major fundraiser for the Earl Scruggs Center, supporting exhibits, live music, educational programming, and ongoing preservation efforts at the Earl Scruggs Homeplace. “Remembering Earl is both a celebration and a homecoming,” said Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director. “It brings together world-class musicians and our community to honor Earl’s legacy while directly supporting the work that keeps his story and music alive for future generations.” Funds raised through the concert help sustain a wide range of activities at
the Earl Scruggs Center. In early February, the Center will unveil new interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. In March, the Center will host the second Earl Experience Banjo Camp, welcoming banjo players from across the region for immersive learning and connection. The Center also presents live music year-round through its Center Stage Concert Series, along with additional cultural programming and special exhibits that explore the music, history, and stories of Cleveland County and the region. The Earl Scruggs Center is also deeply involved in the annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival, helping celebrate Earl’s legacy on a national stage while drawing thousands of visitors to Uptown Shelby each year. Educational initiatives continue to grow, led by the Bluegrass Ambassadors Program, which serves more than 1,000 students annually. In 2025, the program expanded beyond Cleveland County to include students in Rutherford and Polk counties, using music as a bridge to cultural understanding and creative expression. Additional offerings include beginner and intermediate youth guitar and banjo camps held each summer. The Remembering Earl Concert begins at 6:00 p.m., with doors opening at 5:00
RHONDA VINCENT AND THE RAGE (Photos provided) p.m. Tickets to the show are now available. A limited number of VIP packages are also available and include premium seating along with an invitation to an exclusive Encore After Party at the Earl Scruggs Center following the show. Tickets may be purchased online through the Earl Scruggs Center’s website at https://earlscruggscenter. org/event/2026-rememberingearl-a-fundraiser-for-the-earlscruggs-center/. For more information, call the Center at 704.487.6233 or visit www. earlscruggscenter.org. Through exhibits, live music, education, and preservation, the Earl Scruggs Center celebrates not only Earl Scruggs’ groundbreaking contributions to American music, but also the community that shaped him. The annual
DARIN AND BROOKE ALDRIDGE Remembering Earl Concert plays a vital role in sustaining this work. About the Earl Scruggs Center The Earl Scruggs Center celebrates the life, music, and legacy of Earl Scruggs and the rich musical heritage of
Cleveland County. Through exhibitions, live music, educational programs, cultural events, and preservation efforts, the Center tells the story of how a local community helped shape a global musical icon—and continues to carry that legacy forward.
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