RobFredericksburg, VA (November 21, 2022) – Fredericksburg native and musician Mark Newton is set for a rare performance at the Bluegrass in the Burg Festival in Fredericksburg, Virginia, next year. The multi-award-winning vocalist, musician, producer, and artist manager will thank the community for their generous support during his five-year health crisis, including two transplant surgeries.

The Bluegrass in the Burg Festival will take place at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, located at 2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg, Virginia, on June 1 – 3, 2023. Newton, who is no longer touring, will make a rare appearance on Saturday, June 3, performing with Gary Ferguson. The pair previously toured as part of the popular Knoxville Grass band. A meet-n-greet will be held the same day from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. to give Mark and his wife, Tami, the opportunity to personally thank the many people who supported them during these challenging times.

One example of the support took place last year when the Fredericksburg Eagles 4123 MVP Awards sponsored the Golf for Mark benefit held at Lees Hill Golf Course in Fredericksburg and organized by David Limerick, Mike Loving, and Barry Surles.

“David Limerick of the Eagles asked if I would like to come home and perform at the festival, and I told him I would be honored. To be a part of this event in my hometown is so important to me so I can thank so many that have been there for me during the last five years with not only their financial support but their prayers as well,” explained Newton. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Robert Limerick, Barry Surles, Mike Loving, Bootsie Bullock, my family, and countless others that were there for me. I especially want to thank my friend Gary Ferguson for his guidance through my sickness and recovery.”

Tickets for the Bluegrass in the Burg Festival tickets are $25 per person for a single-day pass and $65 per person for a 3-day ticket.  Camping is available on-site—$ 80 with hook-up and $45 without. The event will include performances by Mark Newton, Larry Stephenson Band, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, Cedar Hill, Country Gentleman Tribute, and many more.

For more information on Bluegrass in the Burg, please visit the Fraternal Order of Eagles 4123 on Facebook or contact David Limerick at 540-287-0731 or via email.

More on Mark Newton

As a performing artist, Mark Newton has performed with his band and others, including forming The Virginia Squires in 1983 with Sammy Shelor, Rickie, and Ronnie Simpkins, developing the style that is now called contemporary bluegrass. As a recording artist and producer, one of his most accomplished projects is the album, Follow Me Back to the Fold: A Tribute to Women in Bluegrass, which won the 2001 IBMA Recorded Event of the Year Award. The same year, Newton was part of the Knee Deep in Bluegrass, The Acutab Sessions, which won the 2001 IBMA Instrumental Album of the Year award. He has achieved much success with his music, such as his critically acclaimed Hillbilly Hemingway album, which was nominated for the 2007 IBMA for Album of the Year.

As a talent buyer, event producer, multi-award-winning performing artist, and album producer Mark Newton began the Mark Newton Entertainment Agency in 1990 and is currently managing the popular group, The Goodwin Brothers. His contributions to the bluegrass industry have been well documented, with numerous awards and recognition. Newton’s talent-buying and event-producing achievements are exemplary. He was one of the four founding members of the well-respected Graves Mountain Festival of Music and served as the event’s talent buyer for the last 30 years, with this being his final year.