A special night of music, friendship and Ozarks pride is set for Saturday, March 14, when Rhonda Vincent & The Rage take the stage at the Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon with special guests DEK of Hearts, finalists from The Voice.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m., at the Cowan Civic Center, 500 East Elm Street. Concessions will be available. DEK of Hearts will open the evening, followed by Rhonda Vincent & The Rage.
The event is being promoted by Aaron McDaris, who also performs as a member of Vincent’s band and is known locally for organizing Starvy Creek music festivals. McDaris said the idea for the concert came together organically while he was traveling with Vincent during their Christmas shows.
For McDaris, the night carries special meaning because of his long-standing friendship with Kollin Bailey, a Marshfield native and member of DEK of Hearts. Bailey’s journey is one McDaris and his family have followed closely for years.
“We’ve known Kollin for a long time,” McDaris said. “He actually booked Rhonda for a show in Marshfield years ago as part of a high school project. We’ve stayed friends ever since, and we’ve watched his career grow step by step.”
Bailey’s path in the music industry continued with a job working for Vincent following high school, before later meeting his bandmates Dylan John and Emily Clapp while attending college. That journey took a major leap forward when DEK of Hearts advanced to the finals of The Voice, drawing national attention to the trio.
McDaris said watching their success unfold was exciting for his entire family.
“My wife and I would sit at home watching the show, practically jumping out of our chairs,” he said. “We were just so excited for them. We knew they were going to do well, and now big things are coming for them.”
For Bailey, returning to the Ozarks to share the stage with Vincent feels like a full-circle moment.
“It’s super encouraging,” Bailey said. “With how chaotic this last year has been, it’s exciting to come back to where we started. Our debut as DEK of Hearts was April 24, 2024, opening for Rhonda at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Marshfield. To go from that stage to everything that’s happened since, and then come back home to play with someone who’s been such a mentor to us, we’re just really excited about it.”
The connection between the artists extends beyond the stage and reflects a close-knit musical family that continues to support one another. Shortly after DEK of Hearts appeared in the Rose Parade, members of the group stopped in at Silver Dollar City in Branson simply to watch Vincent and The Rage perform.
“It’s always been that way,” McDaris said. “We all cheer each other on.”
Beyond the reunion aspect, the upcoming concert also marks an exciting chapter for McDaris as a local promoter. While he has long been passionate about Starvy Creek festivals, eventually leading to his ownership when the Day family retired, he said this show represents an effort to highlight other strong local venues, including the Cowan Civic Center.
“The Cowan Civic Center really is a fantastic venue,” McDaris said. “There’s not a bad seat in the house. I’ve always really liked that venue, and it’ll be great to get another show in this spring. I’d encourage everyone who hasn’t seen a concert there to come check it out.”
With Bailey representing Marshfield, McDaris hailing from nearby Hartville, and Vincent standing as one of bluegrass’s most celebrated musicians who also calls the Ozarks home, the March 14 concert brings together hometown roots, national recognition and genuine friendship.
“It just felt right,” McDaris said. “All of us together, back here in the Ozarks, sharing the stage and the music.”
Tickets and additional information are available at starvycreek.com. For more information, contact 615-516-4380 or mcdarismusicfestivals@gmail.com.
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