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Summer in Newland Starts with Soul Benefactor Fri., Fishing Tournament Sat.

By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com

Situated in the heart of Avery County, the community of Newland has a lot in store for local residents and visitors alike this summer.

The Greater Newland Association’s free 10-week concert series begins this weekend on Friday, June 17, and its series of additional community activities will kick of the following day with a fishing tournament.

Newland Summer Concerts

Known formerly as the Newland Business Association, the Greater Newland Association serves to promote and encourage local businesses in Newland and surrounding communities and to encourage friends and neighbors to come together to enjoy summertime in the High Country together.

Beginning this weekend, the GNA will host weekly Friday night concerts at the Newland Riverwalk Concert Bandshell in Riverwalk Park by the Toe River. These concerts are free for the public to enjoy and offer great family fun for all ages, including live performances by a different group each week.

This week, local favorite Soul Benefactor will kick-off the series from 6-9 p.m. on Friday night, performing rock and oldies with horns, guitars, keyboard and drums.

Jason “J-Man” DeWitt will emcee the series this year and concerts will include food, dancing, 50/50 cash drawings, special treats by the Sugar Shack and popcorn and sodas from the Avery Band Boosters.

“It’s to bring fun and entertainment to people who live in the greater Newland area,” GNA member Steve York said in a previous interview. “We’re encouraging people from outlying areas like Linville, Cranberry, Elk Park, Pineola, Plumtree and Linville Falls to come out and spend their time in Newland and support local businesses.”

Concert sponsors this year include Doe Valley Printing, TAP Homes and Boone Rent-All.

A fishing tournament in Newland will follow on Saturday that will feature fishing demonstrations and equipment assistance and Polaris Rangers provided by High Country Polaris. Hunters Helping Kids will provide extra fishing equipment during the tournament and burgers and drinks following the event. Official tournament supporters will be on-hand to judge the event, including Professional Angler, Clifton Bradley and Highland Outfitters.

The GNA also has big plans for its Fourth of July celebration this year, so stay tuned for more details.

For more information on the weekly concerts or the fishing tournament, check out greaternewland.org.

Weekly concerts will proceed rain or shine. In the event of rain, they will be moved to the rock gym in Newland.

2016 Newland Riverwalk Summer Concerts:

  • June 17: Soul Benefactor
  • June 24: Mama’s Remedy
  • July 1: The Johnson Brothers
  • July 8: The TAMS
  • July 15: Swing Set
  • July 22: Maybe, Maybe Not
  • July 29: Arvel Byrd
  • Aug. 5: Dave Calvert Collective
  • Aug. 12: The Lucky Strikes
  • Aug. 19: Road Tripp Band