Staff Report

Jazz flutist, guitarist, vocalist and bandleader Jim Newsom and his Quintet will perform a benefit concert for the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless Saturday, June 11 at the Rawls Museum Arts in Courtland.

Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each.

Newsom and his band members draw from a play list that includes standards, classic and contemporary jazz.

Quintet members include brassman Ron Hallman who blends his trumpet, flugelhorn and bass trumpet with Jim’s multi-instrumental and vocal talents, producing a unique, exciting sound.

On his six-string bass is Dave Hufstedler.

Drummer Rick Jebavy, a veteran of the jazz scene, provides rhythmic propulsion and nuanced brush and stickwork that give the group its unique, classy sound.

Jim’s son, Cole Newsom, is the newest member of the Quintet, adding his electric guitar mastery to the band’s mix.

Newsom and his bandmates are among the best known jazzmen in the area, electrifying audiences in clubs, art museums, outdoor festivals, receptions and concert venues.

In addition to playing music, Jim Newsom also writes about it.

His articles appear regularly in PortFolio Weekly, a regional magazine of news, opinion, arts and culture.

He has also written numerous album reviews and artist biographies for the All Music Guide.

A 2003 article in the Daily Press called him &uot;an important voice of support for creative music in Hampton Roads.&uot;

In 2004, he was voted second in the &uot;Best Jazz Musician&uot; category in Portfolio Weekly’s annual &uot;Best of Hampton Roads&uot; readers poll.

&uot;Excitement doesn’t even begin to describe it,&uot; said Terry Miller, executive director for the Suffolk Shelter for the Homeless.

&uot;It will be a phenomenal event in a beautiful location.

Included in the price of admission is dinner, the great atmosphere of the Rawls Museum,&uot; she added, &uot;and an opportunity to purchase items from the gift shop.

Those who have not visited it recently will surely be treated.&uot;

Seating is limited. Reserve tickets by telephoning the Suffolk Shelter at 934-1353 or emailing to suffolk-shelter@att.net.

The Rawls Museum Arts is located at 22376 Linden St. in the heart of Courtland.