The sounds of live music will fill downtown Newton on Thursday, June 11, as the Rural Roots Summer Concert Series launches its 2026 season with a free community concert featuring local musician Matt Poss.
Presented through the Poss Music Works Summer Concert Series and proudly supported by the Embarras River Tourism Council, the first concert of the season will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in the lot next to Joe’s Italian Foods & Pizza, located at 113 S. Jackson Street in Newton.
Matt Poss will headline the evening, joined by Jancin Cronkhite for a night of live entertainment in a relaxed outdoor setting. Organizers encourage attendees to bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music, food, and community fellowship.
Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages. Concertgoers are also encouraged to support the host venue, Joe’s Italian Foods & Pizza.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors to the Newton Community High School Auditorium.
The Rural Roots Summer Concert Series is designed to showcase local and regional musical talent while creating opportunities for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy live performances in Newton.
Additional concerts planned for the summer include:
- July 23: Youth Music Feature, 6–8 p.m.
- August 20: Mitchell Faulkner Band and Snowbird Street Band, 6–9 p.m.
The concert series is made possible through the support of the Embarras River Tourism Council, which continues to invest in community events that enhance tourism and quality of life throughout the region.
For more information about the Rural Roots Summer Concert Series, visit the event page on Facebook.
Event Details
- What: Rural Roots Summer Concert Series featuring Matt Poss with Jancin Cronkhite
- When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 6–8 p.m.
- Where: Lot next to Joe’s Italian Foods & Pizza, 113 S. Jackson St., Newton
- Rain Location: Newton Community High School Auditorium
- Cost: Free
- Bring: A lawn chair and friends for an evening of live music under the summer sky.
