Here’s info on this year’s edition of Depot Days in Newport…
The 26th Annual Depot Days, which takes place on Sept. 13 and 14 in Newport, will feature one of the most talented top-to-bottom lineups it has ever hosted, organizers say.
The free festival will open Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1:15 p.m. with the Gospel Writers of Jonesboro, a group of gospel singers who bring traditional inspirational music to the world as a ministry.
The Gospel Writers have been featured at the Delta Roots Festival and nominated for the Best Quartet Award at the Arkansas Delta Freedom Awards. They will share their faith on the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage in Front Street Park in downtown Newport.
Following the Gospel Writers, Tumblewood Drive will have the stage rocking as they play rock and roll hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. As one of Central Arkansas’s premier cover bands, they have entertained thousands. Tumblewood Drive will play the songs everyone knows and loves, so some will just come to listen, but others will get up and dance.
Next up, Erin Enderlin, the 2021 Arkansas Country Music Entertainer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, will grace the Terry Scoggins Memorial Stage. Echoes of Emmylou Harris and Loretta Lynn flow through as people listen to her music. Erin has written songs for Alan Jackson (“Monday Morning Church”), Lee Ann Womack (“Last Call”), Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, and many others.
The Tina Cossey Band will bring their high-energy blend of blues, rock, soul, and country. The songs will touch both the heart and keep the feet moving as they pour into the late afternoon air. Tina and the band were semi-finalists in the worldwide International Blues Challenge for their powerhouse performance.
Abby Anderson, 2019’s “Next Big Thing” takes the stage next with her sound that has captivated Nashville. Streaming hit “Heart on Fire in Mexico” has reached over 30 million impressions and 4.5 million streams. Even though Abby has played the Grand Old Opry fifteen times, she is just scratching the surface of her musical journey.
Headlining the festival will be Tigirlily Gold. Tigirlily Gold released their debut album in June called “Blonde.” They were given the award for Best New Duo by the Academy of Country Music in 2024. The sisters have been on radio stations all over the country with their two new Top 40 hits: “Shoot Tequila” and “I Tried a Ring On.” The song “Shoot Tequila” has reached over 100 million views on social media. The duo has toured with Cole Swindell, Walker Hayes, and Ashley McBryde.
Depot Days is thrilled to have them headline. Not familiar with songs by all of these acts? Each of the groups has a Facebook page and website with music online, but be careful, if you listen to them, you might just be hooked!
Come to Depot Days and enjoy the best that southern music has to offer from Gospel, blues, rock, country, and soul there is music that will delight everyone. All music is free to the public.
The pre-festival party will be held on Friday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. Tickets to the Conductors Reception are on sale now and will cost $25 per person for food, beverages, and access to indoor facilities. The music will be free to the public and will start at 6:30 p.m. with Seeing Red, a fan-favorite rock and roll band with two powerhouse female vocalists and a tight band. They regularly tour around the Mid-South, but when they are home in Memphis, they often can be found playing on the rooftop at the Peabody Hotel.
Vendors and Food Trucks open at 1 p.m., and great music will play until 9 p.m.
For more information, contact the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 523-3618 or visit Depot Days Festival on Facebook.
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