Music and Golf to Benefit Mark Newton for Hospital Expenses!

FRIENDS OF MARK NEWTON GOLF OUTING AND MUSIC EVENT

FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE MARK NEWTON FAMILY FOLLOWING HOSPITAL STAY DURING THE GRAVES MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (July 23, 2012) – Friends of Mark Newton have announced a special fundraiser to include a golf outing and live music in Fredricksburg, Virginia, Newton’s childhood home,  on August 24^th to assist the Newton Family with medical expenses.

Mark Newton was hospitalized unexpectedly earlier this year at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville while preparing for the 20^th Anniversary Graves Mountain Festival of Music, an event that Newton helped create with the Graves Family, in Syria, Virginia.  The event culminates with an evening concert featuring the music of Mark Newton and Steve Thomas and their The StillHouse Band (Newton’s current touring band).

A full entertainment line-up for the evening music concert features a special reunion of the Virginia Squires with Ronnie and Rickie Simpkins, Sammy Shelor, and Mark Newton. 

This will be the first reunion of the Virginia Squires in over 12 years and is a performance not to be missed. Grammy Award Winning artist Carl Jackson will also perform. Jackson produced the award winning Hillbilly Hemmingway project which was Newton’s last release. Gary Ferguson and Matt Wallace are also confirmed. The event will go on rain or shine.

The event, sponsored by Spotsylvania Eagles FOE # 4391, will be held at Lee’s Hill Golf Club on August 24^th with a shotgun golf scramble set to tee off at 9am. Go to www.leeshillgc.com to register for the golf outing. A Registration Fee of $75 includes green fees, golf cart, practice range, beverages and awards. Light fare will be provided for golfers.

Anyone that wishes to make a contribution may send a check made payable to Spotsylvania Eagles FOE # 4391. The organization is a recognized 501-C-3. Checks should be mailed to 5100 Jake McWhirt Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

Newton’s childhood friends from Fredricksburg, Barry Surles and Mike Loving, are organizing the event. “Mark has been supporter of our community by organizing fundraisers for others, such as the Mark Newton Homecoming Pickin’ Party in 2009. We all understand the extensive costs incurred by the Newton family can threaten to financially ruin ones lives by exceeding family resources and health insurance coverage. So we organized this event to help cover the uninsured portion of these extreme medical expenses.” Said Barry Surles.

Fundraiser auction will have a special appearance by Nashville’s Artist to the Stars Corey Frizzell to hand sign his donated fine art portrait of Bill Monroe to the highest bidder. Additional details at www.artistcoreyfrizzellnews.com and www.facebook.com/artistcoreyfrizzell.

We hope our efforts will help our good friend Mark and his family in this time of need.” Said Mike Loving.

Current items available for the fundraiser include an autographed guitar from Picker’s Supply. Additional donations have been contributed from Bluegrass Today, Paige Capos, Cedar Creek instrument cases, and TKL instrument cases, as well as D’Addario Strings.

Mark Newton was born into a musical family in the bluegrass state of Kentucky in Paducah. When Newton was a young child his family moved to his Father’s home area of Fredericksburg, Virginia. It was at that time when his interest turned to music. Newton is well known for his contributions to the field of bluegrass and acoustic music as an artist, producer, writer, and vocalist having toured and performed with such greats as Bill Monroe, The Seldom Scene, The Tony Rice Unit, The Virginia Squires, and the Knoxville Grass.

"I am extremely humbled that my friends have stepped in to help with our medical costs. I’ve always been able to count on my childhood friends from Virginia and this is a testament to that friendship and bond that lasts a lifetime.” said Newton. “Most importantly, I am out of the hospital, feeling better, and back on the road touring with my new band and partner Steve Thomas. The support and caring from the music community, friends, and family has been overwhelming and I hope to see many of those people at this event so I can say thank you personally. Plus, we get to play a little golf and make some music at the event too!”

Thomas and Newton have performed in a variety of bands over the years and have contributed much to the world of acoustic music. Their shows are always filled with a wide variety of music, covering country, bluegrass, roots, folk, and Americana. Packed with high energy, superb musicianship, and award winning vocals this is a show not to be missed.