Nashville, TN -- The Friends of Mark Newton Golf Outing and Music Event held on August 24th in Fredricksburg, Virginia, Newton’s childhood home, to assist the Newton Family with medical expenses following Mark’s hospitalization this Summer was a huge success. Mark Newton was hospitalized unexpectedly earlier this year at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville while preparing for the 20th Anniversary Graves Mountain Festival of Music, an event that Newton helped create with the Graves Family, in Syria, Virginia. The August 24th fundraiser had over 34 golf team participants and culminated with a special concert reunion of the Virginia Squires (Rickie and Ronnie Simpkins, Sammy Shelor, and Mark Newton) and special guests that included Grammy Award winning artist Carl Jackson, Dudley Connell of the Seldom Scene, and Ralph Stanley II among many others.
The event, which was sponsored by Spotsylvania Eagles FOE # 4391, was held at Lee’s Hill Golf Club on August 24th. Anyone that wishes to make an additional 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.
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 by the outpouring of support from the music community and my friends and family. 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. “I look forward to getting back on the road with my music in full swing in 2013 and we have a number of performances lined up for the remainder of 2012, including several showcase opportunities during the World of Bluegrass in Nashville during September. Most of all I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped me and my family with our medical expenses and have helped me continue to do what I love to do, play music!”
In this photo from the event (L-R: Rickie Simpkins, Gary Ferguson, Steve Thomas, Mark Newton, Dudley Connell, Ralph Stanley II, Ronnie Simpkins, and Sammy Shelor)