The Newports' roots are in Chicago's south suburbs, and our playlist of blues, rock, funk, and soul has that distinctive Chicago vibe. The band's sound features a tight, soulful four-piece horn section under the direction of Sonny Lee Tritt, the harmonica magic of Jumpin' Gene Halton, R&B keyboard and vocal stylings of Eddie Beard, and the high-energy guitar and vocals of wild man Mark Rongers. We perform regularly in the greater Chicago area, northwest Indiana, and southwest Michigan. From community festivals to roadhouse bars to corporate gigs to our high-energy stage show, you'll experience a soulful performance unlike anything you've ever seen.
The Newports' debut album, The Newports Live! At the Acorn, was released in July 2019 on Cherry Ridge Records. Recorded at The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks Michigan last November, the ten tracks on the album range from reggae (Bob Marley’s “Is This Love”) to soul (“Low Rider,” “Knock on Wood”), to Hendrix (“All Along the Watchtower”) to blues (Gary Clark Jr.'s "When My Train Pulls In").
The CD version of the album is available at CDBaby.com, at Chicagoland's largest music store, Rolling Stones Records, and at the band's live performances. It is available for download and streaming at Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, Dweezer, iHeartRadio, and other major online music services.
The Newports are: Mark Rongers (vocal, lead guitar), Terry "Sony Lee" Tritt (tenor sax and musical director), Ralph Whipple (trumpet), Darryl Neil X (baritone sax), Jeff Sachs (trombone, guitar), Ed Beard (keyboards, vocals), Gene Nourie (drums), Jumpin' Gene Halton (harmonica), and Bill Bielby (bass and business manager). The horn guys -- Terry, Darryl, Ralph, and Jeff -- along with Eddie on keyboards got their musical start with the Thorntoneers jazz ensemble at Thornton Township High School in Harvey Illinois. Terry and Bill are from our original lineup. Bryan Salvage, our original vocalist/guitarist, joins us from time to time.
ALBUM RELEASE PARTY, THE NEWPORTS LIVE! At the Acorn
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
THE NEWPORTS LIVE! At the Acorn Theater
Saturday July 6, 2019
Contact: William Bielby Phone: 312.497.9184
Email: NewportsBlues@gmail.com
Website: NewportsBluesRockSoul.com
[Three Oaks, Michigan, June 14, 2019—] The Newports return to the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks Michigan on Saturday July 6 to celebrate the release of their debut album, The Newports Live! At the Acorn. Recorded at the theater last November, the eleven tracks on the album range from reggae (Bob Marley’s “Is This Love”) to soul (“Low Rider,” “Knock on Wood”), to Hendrix (“Little Wing” and “All Along the Watchtower”) to blues, both classic (“Got My Mojo Working”) and contemporary (Gary Clark Jr.’s “When My Train Pulls In”).
The Newports’ roots go back to their teen years at Thornton Township High School in Harvey Illinois. Five years ago, on a hot July night, they reconvened for what they thought would be a one-shot open mic performance at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks. Hoping for one of those Blues Brothers’ “getting the band back together” dreams come true, the night turned into so much more. With no time for rehearsal, the playlist consisted of classic rock tunes and blues standards that each of the guys had performed with numerous bands over the years. Everything clicked, and a few days later the headline in the Arts & Entertainment section of the New Buffalo Times read “Acorn the Scene of Jaw-Dropping Music by The Newports!” One thing led to another, and they’ve been performing regularly as a nine-piece blues/rock/soul ensemble ever since. It is fitting that the album release party is hosted by the venue that gave the twenty-first century version of the Newports their big break.
The Newports' playlist is much more eclectic now than it was at that open mic event in the summer of 2015: a mix of blues, rock, funk, and soul with a distinctive southside Chicago vibe. Since reuniting, The Newports have been performing regularly in the greater Chicago area, northwest Indiana, and southwest Michigan. From community festivals to roadhouse bars to corporate gigs to their high-energy stage show, they deliver a soulful performance unlike anything you've ever seen.
The Newports are: Mark Rongers (vocals, lead guitar), Terry "Sony Lee" Tritt (tenor sax and musical director), Ralph Whipple (trumpet), Darryl Neil X (baritone sax, vocals), Jeff Sachs (trombone, guitar), Ed Beard (keyboards, vocals), Gene Nourie (drums), Jumpin' Gene Halton (harmonica, percussion), and Bill Bielby (bass and business manager).
Joining The Newports on stage on July 6 is Funky Mojo Daddy. FMD performs regularly at House of Blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends, and other major blues venues in Chicagoland. These veterans of the Chicago blues scene bring a tasty mix of funk, roots rock, and soul to their show.
Showtime: Saturday, July 6, 8PM EDT
Tickets: www.acornlive.org
Acorn Theater, 107 Generation Drive, Three Oaks, MI 49128
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Bill Bielby at 312-497-9184 or email NewportsBlues@gmail. Videos, music, and photographs can be found at the band's website, NewportsBluesRockSoul.com. Band members are available for media interviews and would be happy to arrange for a live performance as part of electronic media interviews.
- Sep, 21 Three Oaks Wurstfest, Three Oaks, MI
- Sep, 21 Three Oaks Wurstfest
- Oct, 18 Blissful Barn, Three Oaks, MI
- Nov, 30 Acorn Theater, Three Oaks, MI
- May, 10 Smokey Jo's, Crete, IL
- May, 25 Elements Wine Bar, Valparaiso, IN
- Jun, 08 Makers Trail Festival at Weko Beach
- Jun, 15 Grape and Grain, Homewood, IL
- Jul, 05 Idlewild Country Club 4th of July Celebration (on the 5th), Flossmoor, IL
- Jul, 06 Acorn Theater, Three Oaks, MI
- Aug, 04 Founders Square Fest, Portage IN
- Aug, 10 New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival
- Aug, 16 Smoky Jo's, Crete, IL
- Aug, 24 Bottoms Up Bar & Grill, Lansing, IL
- Aug, 31 Grape and Grain, Homewood, IL
- Sep, 06 Elements Wine Bar, Valparaiso, IN
- Sep, 07 Midlothian Country Club
- Sep, 13 Duffy's Place, Valparaiso, IN
Three Oaks Wurstfest, Three Oaks, MI
It began as a celebration of Drier's Meat Market's 100th birthday in 2012, and the party has gotten bigger and better each year since. This is The Newports' first time performing at Wurstfest.
Three Oaks Wurstfest
The 7th Annual Three Oaks Wurstfest!
Enjoy 40+ craft brews to savor (wine/cider too), food, vendors, classic cars, live music, and family fun for all in downtown Three Oaks. Free to the public...
Schedule for Wurstfest, Saturday Sept 21st
• Classic Car Show starts at 10am
• Vendors and kid's activities open at 11am
• Beer/Wine tent and live music starts a Noon
Blissful Barn, Three Oaks, MI
Benefit for the Michiana Humane Society
Acorn Theater, Three Oaks, MI
Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, it's the annual holiday show of The Newports at the Acorn Theater.
Smokey Jo's, Crete, IL
30 miles due east of the Joliet correctional facility, where Jake and Elwood hatched their plan to get the band back together, The Newports bring blues, rock, and soul to Smokey Jo's, in Crete IL. We're kicking off our 2019 tour at Smoky Jo's on Friday, May 10. Music starts at 8:30 PM. See you there!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2249087018693158/
Elements Wine Bar, Valparaiso, IN
The Newports return to Elements Wine Bar in Valpo, outdoors under the stars.
Makers Trail Festival at Weko Beach
Tickets $10 in advance or $20 at the gate. This beach party will rock til sunset. We will pop corks, tap kegs and pour spirits crafted by Southwest Michigans Makers Trail winemakers, brewmasters and distillers. Enjoy delicious local food and a fun lineup of regional music makers, too. Parking is free. Shuttles are free from parking lots and participating hotels. Get your tickets now!
https://www.facebook.com/events/375843673145473/
Tickets and More Information
Grape and Grain, Homewood, IL
Back in the 'hood! The Newports at Grape and Grain in Homewood
Idlewild Country Club 4th of July Celebration (on the 5th), Flossmoor, IL
Fireworks and fun at Idlewild Country Club with The Newports. Limited tickets available for non-members. Contact Jeff Sacks at sweatx@comcast.net for details
Acorn Theater, Three Oaks, MI
The Newports Live at the Acorn! ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
The Newports, Harbor Country’s favorite blues/rock/soul ensemble, returns to the Acorn to celebrate the release of their debut album “Live at the Acorn!”
Joining the Newports are Funky Mojo Daddy. These veterans of the local blues scene, who perform regularly at House of Blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends and other major blues venues in Chicagoland, bring a tasty mix of funk, roots rock, and soul into their repertoire.
Tickets and More Information
Founders Square Fest, Portage IN
The Newports' first appearance in the festive Sunday Summer Music Series at Founders Square Park in Portage Indiana. 90's alternative rock band Overdue is on at 3:30 PM, followed by Vintage Postcard at 5:30 and The Newports at 7:30. Food trucks, wine/beer tent, and plenty of room for dancing. Admission is free. Founders Square Park is a collection site for donations to Portage Food Pantry and Gabriel’s Horn Shelter. Feel free to bring canned goods, nonperishable boxed food items, paper goods, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, hygiene items, etc., or cash donations.
New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival
The Newports kick off the music at 1 PM Saturday August 10th at the 34th Annual New Buffalo Ship and Shore Festival at Lions Park down by the beach. .
A crowd-pleasing tradition for thirty-five years, the New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival, August 9-11, is a three-day signature festival presented by the New Buffalo Business Association This family-friendly fest has landed in a perfect new location at Lions Park in New Buffalo, Michigan and will offer something for everyone…Not your ordinary street fair, Ship & Shore will feature curated bands from all over the Midwest, local cuisine, regional beer and wine, unique art vendors and breath-taking sights of Lake Michigan and much more!
Smoky Jo's, Crete, IL
30 miles due east of the Joliet correctional facility, where Jake and Elwood hatched their plan to get the band back together, The Newports bring blues, rock, and soul to Smokey Jo's, in Crete IL. Music starts at 8:30 PM. See you there!
Bottoms Up Bar & Grill, Lansing, IL
The Newports, the boys from Harvey Illinois, continue their 2019 Blues • Rock • Soul tour in the south suburbs, back where it started all those years ago. Under the stars, weather permitting. Wear your dancing shoes!
Grape and Grain, Homewood, IL
Back in the 'hood! The Newports at Grape and Grain in Homewood
Elements Wine Bar, Valparaiso, IN
Back at our favorite wine bar, Elements in Valpo, outside under the stars weather permitting
Midlothian Country Club
Midlothian, Illinois
Duffy's Place, Valparaiso, IN
The Newports' first appearance at Valpo's cool hotspot, Duffy's Place. Join us!
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Is This Love (Bob Marley)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137206/1555552430.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137206/1555552430.mp3Is This Love (Bob Marley)
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Can't Find My Way Home (Steve Winwood)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137207/1555552532.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137207/1555552532.mp3Can't Find My Way Home (Steve Winwood)
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Low Rider (Lee Oskar, Lonnie Jordan, Howard E. Scott, B.B. Dickerson, Harold Ray Brown, Charles Miller, Jerry Goldstein)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137208/1555552706.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137208/1555552706.mp3Low Rider (Lee Oskar, Lonnie Jordan, Howard E. Scott, B.B. Dickerson, Harold Ray Brown, Charles Miller, Jerry Goldstein)
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Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix)The Newportshttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137209/1555552786.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137209/1555552786.mp3Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix)
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When My Train Pulls In (Gary Clark, Jr.)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137211/1555552935.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137211/1555552935.mp3When My Train Pulls In (Gary Clark, Jr.)
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Roll With It (Steve Winwood, Will Jennings, Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137210/1555552876.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137210/1555552876.mp3Roll With It (Steve Winwood, Will Jennings, Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Eddie Holland)
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Whipping Post (Gregg Allman)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137212/1555552983.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137212/1555552983.mp3Whipping Post (Gregg Allman)
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Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137213/1555553027.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137213/1555553027.mp3Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper)
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Champagne and Reefer (Muddy Waters)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137227/1555642369.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137227/1555642369.mp3Champagne and Reefer (Muddy Waters)
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All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan)The Newports Buyhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137228/1555642519.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137228/1555642519.mp3All Along the Watchtower (Bob Dylan)
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Cold Shot (Mike Kindred, W.C. Clark)The Newportshttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137229/1555643395.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137229/1555643395.mp3Cold Shot (Mike Kindred, W.C. Clark)
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Bright Lights (Gary Clark, Jr.)The Newportshttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137233/1555705282.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137233/1555705282.mp3Bright Lights (Gary Clark, Jr.)
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Spanish Moon (Lowell George)The Newportshttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137234/1555705674.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137234/1555705674.mp3Spanish Moon (Lowell George)
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Let's Dance (David Bowie)The Newportshttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137275/1556083480.mp3https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ae-p/system/music/file/137275/1556083480.mp3Let's Dance (David Bowie)
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Meet the Newports!Blues, rock, soul and a little reggae from The Newports: a video montage of our live show to a packed house at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, November 24, 2018. We return to the Acorn on Saturday July 6 to celebrate the release of our live album from this show. -
The Newports Play the Blues for You...A taste of the blues, from The Newports' performances over the past four years at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. -
Is This Love?The Newports get deeper in to their reggae groove, covering Bob Marley. From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Whipping PostOur take on the Allman Brothers' "Whipping Post." From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Low RiderLow Rider drives a little slower... From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Champagne and ReeferThe Newports covering a Muddy Waters' classic, "Chamagne and Reefer," live at the Acorn Theater, July 2018. -
Can't Find My Way HomeA soulful rendition of the Blind Faith classic... From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Let's Dance"Let's sway. Under the moonlight, this serious moonlight..." -
Knock on Wood"I don't want to lose this good thing..." Eddie Beard covering Eddie Floyd on the Stax soul classic. From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Roll With ItEddie delivers a soulful rendition of Steve Windwood's "Roll With It." From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
You Don't Know Like I KnowEddie brings it home on Sam & Dave's "You Don't Know Like I Know." At our annual Holiday R & B Review at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan. -
How You Like Me Now?The Newports cover of The Heavy's "How You Like Me Now?" featuring Mark on guitar/vocals and our amazing horns. From our show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, July 2017. -
Take Me to the River"Take Me to the River" from our show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, July 2017. -
When My Train Pulls InMark's blazing guitar and the soulful lines from our amazing horn section are featured on The Newports' cover of Gary Clark Jr.'s "When My Train Pulls In. "From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Little Wing"Well, she's walking through the clouds..." Hendrix with Horns. From our November show at the Acorn Theater. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Touch MeTill the stars fall from the sky... "Touch Me" - Doors with Horns From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. -
Peter Gunn106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses... Hit it! From our show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, July 2018 -
Cold ShotWe take a "Cold Shot" at the Newports' Acorn Theater show in Three Oaks, Michigan, July 22, 2017. -
Them Changes"Well my mind is goin' through them changes..." Eddie Beard brings it home in The Newports' cover of Buddy Miles' "Them Changes." From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
A Day in the LifeWe'd love to turn you on... From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Got My Mojo Working"...but it just won't work on you." Featuring Jumpin' Gene Halton on blues harp. From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Bright Lights"You gonna know my name by the end of the night..." And his name is Mark Rongers, awesome guitarist/vocalist and front man of The Newports. Here he is, killing it on Gary Clark Jr.'s "Bright Lights" at The Newports show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, July 22, 2017. -
All Along the Watchtower"There must be some way out of here..." Mark's on fire! From our November 2018 show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, MI. On our CD The Newports: Live at the Acorn -
Spanish MoonThe Newports, the boys from Harvey Illinois. Our take on Little Feat's "Spanish Moon." From our holiday show at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, December 2017 -
Into the MysticVan Morrison's "Into the Mystic" featuring Mark Rongers' vocals and The Newports horns.
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Top3 photos -
Promo Photos for Download18 photos -
Acorn 11/1714 photos -
Grape & Grain 12/1751 photos -
Acorn 6/1626 photos -
Posters10 photos -
Elements Wine Bar 4/1823 photos -
Bottoms Up 4/1610 photos
Our technical rider can be downloaded at the link below.
PDF Rider - Download