Rebecca Laird and Matt Laird attend Acoustic Music Camp on
Johnny Lee Vincent Memorial Scholarship Program
August 8, 2015
18-year-old banjoist Matt Laird and his guitar- and mandolin-playing sister, Rebecca Laird of Katy, Texas, attended the ninth annual Acoustic Music Camp in Arlington, Texas (August 6-8, 2015) under the Johnny Lee Vincent Memorial Scholarship Program from the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation. Matt was inspired to play banjo about four years ago by listening to Steve Martin’s banjo performances, and Rebecca has been studying guitar, mandolin, and banjo for a number of years. The Acoustic Music Camp faculty included Winfield-winning banjoist James McKinney along with other renowned musicians including Robert Bowlin, Tim May, Dix Bruce, Dave Hamburger, and Gerald Jones.
The 
Johnny Lee Vincent Memorial Scholarship Program is named in memory of Mr. Johnny Vincent of Greentop, Missouri, a bluegrass pioneer and the father of the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation’s first Bluegrass Star Award recipient, Rhonda Vincent, and bluegrass star Darrin Vincent. Johnny and his family toured the world as the Sally Mountain Show, performing their special brand of bluegrass music. He was known for his unique banjo style and founded the Sally Mountain Bluegrass Festival in Queen City, Missouri.
The Bluegrass Heritage Foundation sincerely appreciates the support of Mr. Vincent’s family and friends, our other donors and volunteers, and all who attend our events and make it possible for us to help deserving young people like Rebecca and Matt Laird.
