John Lawrie was hooked. Now, you might even say he is addicted to the place. But we will stick with ‘hooked.’
And he can thank his mom for the addiction – oops – the ‘hook.’
The 2020 graduate of Covington Catholic High School was looking for colleges, he says.
“My mom showed me Belmont. I went down to visit Nashville, and, yes I was hooked,” he said.
“Belmont was an amazing experience. I met so many incredible musicians and people while there. Everyone seemed to lift each other up. Just being in Nashville alone was an eye-opening experience.
“My whole life I had just learned classical piano. But being in Nashville – my commercial piano degree focused in Jazz studies – I learned so many new genres.”
Now, Lawrie wants to share his Nashville experience with his Northern Kentucky friends.
He is bringing Nashville to Newport.
In conjunction with The Point/Arc — the 53-year-old non-profit agency that services individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) – he has created The Point/Arc Festival, Point-Fest.
The date — Saturday, September 27th – 4 p.m. to midnight – at the Newport Car Barn (1102 Brighton Street).
“The festival idea came because while Northern Kentucky certainly has great music, I realized there was something special about the music in Nashville and the people; and I wanted to bring that home while also supporting a great cause. The Point/Arc,” he said.
Lawrie is pretty serious about this deal.
He is bringing seven performing artists to the Car Barn that evening – Kyndal Inskeep, Gracie Carol, Eli Winders, Grace Serene, Chace Saunders, Jay Jackson, and Cam G & The Tasty Soul.
The $50 admission supports the mission of The Point/Arc and includes valet parking.
The event is open to those 18-years-of-age and up, with doors opening at 4 p.m. Food, drinks and dancing will be on the menu all evening long.
Tickets may be purchased at www.thepointarc.org/events; or call: 859-491-9191.
John Lawrie says he currently tours with artists as well as produces music and teaches piano.
On Saturday, September 27th he will make his second home – Nashville — his first in Newport – at The Point/Arc’s Point-Fest.
The Point/Arc