Del McCoury Band is bluegrass entertainer of the year

Friday, October 3rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) _ The Del McCoury Band won entertainer of the year and Rhonda Vincent was named top female vocalist for the fourth time Thursday at the International Bluegrass Music Awards.

``What a wonderful night,'' Vincent said. ``I just get to live my dream every day. You guys have made my dream come true for the last four years.''

Vincent was joined on stage during a performance by Alison Krauss, who was also nominated for female vocalist.

The 14th annual awards show, hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Association, falls in the middle of a weeklong celebration of bluegrass music.

Dan Tyminski, who sings and plays acoustic guitar for Krauss & Union Station, won the award for male vocalist for the third time. The artist became nationally known after lending his voice to George Clooney in the film ``O Brother, Where Art Thou?''

Tyminski credited legendary banjo player J.D. Crowe, who was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Honor during the show.

``This means a whole lot to me,'' Tyminski said, holding his award. ``There is no way I'd be here if it wasn't for him.''

Krauss & Union Station took home album of the year for, ``Alison Krauss & Union Station Live.'' Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver won vocal group and song of the year for ``Blue Train (of the Heartbreak Line).''

Other awards included:

Instrumental group: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Emerging artists: Kenny & Amanda Smith.

Gospel recorded performance: ``The Hand Made Cross,'' Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Instrumental album: ``The Bluegrass Fiddle Album,'' Aubrey Haynie

Recorded event: ``Will the Circle Be Unbroken Vol. III,'' Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Johnny Cash and various artists.

Instrumental performers: banjo, Jim Mills; bass, Mike Bub; guitar, Bryan Sutton; dobro, Rob Ickes; fiddle, Jason Carter; mandolin, Adam Steffey.

Distinguished achievement awards: Jack Cooke, Terry Lickona, Bob Turbanic, Fiddlin' Arthur Smith, The Station Inn.

Bluegrass event: European World of Bluegrass, Voorthuizan, The Netherlands