Mark Newton has been a familiar face in country, bluegrass, and Americana music for decades. The guitar and mandolin player honed his chops during the 1970s and ‘80s in several groups, including Knoxville Grass, formed in 1976. The band released five albums during Mark’s time with the band, including Painted Lady in 1982. Then Mark joined Heights of Grass before founding The Virginia Squires (1984-1989), which included Rickie and Ronnie Simpkins and Sammy Shelor.