Poet Voices
Joanna Cotten
Sarah Johns
John Anderson
Fanny Grace
The Northwest Georgia Bank Amphitheatre on Benton Place campus in Ringgold will open with the Sunset Concert Series — a free community appreciation, three-night concert series on July 26-28, sponsored by Northwest Georgia Bank, US101 and 98.1-The Legend.
“We hope the community will come out and fill up this great facility all three nights and enjoy themselves,” said Wes Smith, Northwest Georgia Bank Chairman & CEO. “It’s been a long journey full of a lot of hard work, a lot of brainstorming, and a lot of really dedicated individuals. We are anxious to get this community gift open so our neighbors, families, and friends can enjoy it, and the Sunset Concert Series will be a good start.
”We are wholly grateful for the help and support we’ve had from many generous people over the years, and especially the last three years,” said Mr. Smith. “The amphitheatre will dovetail nicely with the other outstanding public amenities found on Benton Place campus, like the Colonnade, the Learning Center, Library and Senior Center, and the future YMCA. These cultural amenities have enhanced our community to immeasurable degrees, and it is our earnest and adamant hope that local governments will in good faith and wise judgment continue to support with fervor these fine institutions dedicated to local arts, education and public service.”
Festivities kick off at 7 p.m. each night of the free Sunset Concert Series. Performance times are subject to change without notice.
Gospel Night on Thursday, July 26, will feature the Mt. Peria Baptist Choir, Heirline, and Poet Voices.
New Country Night on Friday, July 27, will showcase rising country music sensations Joanna Cotten and Sarah Johns, with Scott Smith and Friends performing as the opening act. Scott is President & COO of Northwest Georgia Bank.
Classic Country Night on Saturday, July 28, will bring legendary artist John Anderson to the amphitheatre stage, with Chattanooga singer/songwriter Roger Alan Wade and country duo Fanny Grace opening. Scott Smith will perform with Roger Allan Wade.
A few months before Northwest Georgia Bank celebrated its 100th birthday in 2004, longtime Chairman & CEO Wes Smith wanted to commemorate the occasion in a big way — with a $200,000 gift to the community from the Bank’s Foundation.
After much public input and several ideas on how to best use the donation, the Bank’s leaders chose to build an 1,800-seat amphitheatre on Benton Place campus in Catoosa County on three acres of land donated by the county.
More than three years later, that $200,000 donation has grown to more than $550,000 from the Northwest Georgia Bank Foundation through its annual golf benefit, and the facility’s seating capacity has increased to an estimated 4,000.
Through the use of inmate labor and donations of equipment and supplies, along with the Northwest Georgia Bank Foundation’s $550,000, the amphitheatre will appraise at more than $1.1 million when finished.
“We hope to continue the Sunset Concert Series to commemorate our more than a century of commitment to the neighborhoods we serve, live and play in,” Mr. Smith said. “And to continually show gratitude to our friends and neighbors who have graced us with their business and support for generations.”