OUR BACKSTORY
The Newports: A Musical Journey
The Newports were a beloved fixture in the Harbor Country music scene, captivating audiences with their unique blend of blues, rock, and soul. Their story is one of passion, revival, and a deep connection to the musical roots of Chicago’s south suburbs. The Newport Project is a spin-off of that band, which had its last performance in the summer of 2024
Origins and Early Years
The Newports were originally formed in the 1960s by Bill Bielby and his friends during their eighth-grade year. The band quickly gained popularity in Chicago’s south suburbs, performing at local venues and school events. Their early music was heavily influenced by the rock and blues sounds that were emerging during that era.
Hiatus and Revival
After a long hiatus, Bill Bielby and Jeff Sachs decided to revive The Newports, at least one more time. On a hot summer night in July 2014, a group of musicians who hadn't performed together since high school arrived at The Acorn in Three Oaks Michigan for a one-time reunion, hosting Open Mic Night. An enthusiastic audience response and a rave review in the local paper encouraged them to make The Newports a working band again. The band expanded into a nine-piece ensemble, incorporating a rich mix of soul, rock, and blues into their repertoire. The revival brought new energy and a broader musical palette, allowing The Newports to connect with a new generation of fans and to reconnect with folks they entertained as teens during their high school years.
Harbor Country Performances
The Newports became a staple in the Harbor Country music scene, performing at events and venues throughout the region, ranging from community and beach festivals to roadhouse bars and stage shows. Their high-energy shows at The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks, Michigan, were particularly memorable. These performances showcased the band’s dynamic sound and their ability to engage and entertain audiences.
the last dance
The Newports’ final performance as a full nine-piece ensemble took place at The Acorn Theater on June 24, 2022. Dubbed “The Last Dance,” this show was a celebration of the band’s journey and their enduring impact on the local music scene. It was a magical night of music and memories, as a celebration of the release of their album, "Let's Dance Again." While “The Last Dance” marked the end of an era, the members of The Newports continue to make music through various projects and collaborations, including The Newport Project. The Newports’ music lives on through their two albums and singles that are available at all streaming services and videos of live performances that can be found on The Newport Project's YouTube channel. Their debut album, “The Newports Live! At the Acorn,” released in July 2019, captures the essence of their live performances and continues to be a favorite among fans.
The Legacy
The Newports’ story is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories. Their journey from the pre-Beatles era to the 21st century reflects their adaptability, passion, and unwavering commitment to their craft. The power of the music and the passion for performance is what motived the founding of The Newport Prairie Project in 2022 in Michigan's Harbor Country.
MUSICIAN BIOS
bill bielby
Bill Bielby is known for his contributions to both academia and music. He co-founded the band The Newports when he was in eighth grade, playing rhythm and bass guitar. The band, which started as a rock combo playing twangy covers of top 40 hits, performed in Chicago’s south suburbs during their high school years. By the end of their run they were playing British invasion, surf, frat rock and a bit of blues and soul. After a long hiatus, Bill and Jeff Sachs relaunched The Newports in 2014. For eight years the nine-piece band performed an eclectic mix of soul, rock, and blues at various music festivals, concert venues, nightclubs, and charity events throughout the Chicago area, northwest Indiana, and southwest Michigan. In his academic career Bill wrote about and taught media and popular culture. His Presidential Address delivered to the American Sociological Association in 2002 was titled “Rock in a Hard Place: Grassroots Cultural Production in the Post-Elvis Era.”
jumpin' gene halton
He picked up the nickname “Jumpin’ Gene” first as an internationally-ranked high jumper who competed twice on the US team versus Russia, then independently some years later as a musician. Halton has performed harmonica internationally and written songs which have been recorded on Delmark Records, West Tone Records, and Cherry Ridge Records. He has been fortunate to have played over the years with a number of creators of Chicago blues, touring with the legendary bluesmen Pinetop Perkins and Dave Myers, performing with Sam Lay, The Taildragger, Katherine Davis, Rockin’ Johnny Burgin, Hubert Sumlin, and others, and opening for Bobby Bland and Son Seals. He performed in the Zurich Jazz Festival with the Oliver Morgan Rhythm and Blues Band of New Orleans, and returned to tour central Europe with fellow band member Lorenzo Thompson and The Next Generation Blues Band. Most recently he enjoyed a fabulous eight-year stint with The Newports and worked with Bill and Jeff to establish both the Newport Blues Project and Newport Prairie Project.
rusty hardwater
Rusty Hardwater has worn many a musical hat, from playing jangly guitar and writing and performing REM influenced-ditties in the eighties and nineties, to his days in the 2000's as part of a seminal folk duo, to drummer extraordinaire in various blues-infused, country, and roadhouse rock bands. Rusty has even been seen playing guitar and mandolin in bluegrass and old-time country bands. All this in the great southwest Michigan area, where he was born and raised. The Newport Prairie Project will be recording his song “Midwest Town” later this year, to be released on Cherry Ridge Records in spring of 2025.
tim johnson
Guitarist and composer Tim Johnson has been performing in southwest Michigan for over four decades, early on with rock bands Gypsy Reign and Visions of Lucy. After a stint as a bassist in a country band he returned to his preferred instrument and became well-known in the area as a jazz-influenced fingerstyle guitarist. Among the guitarists who have influenced his music are Leo Kotke, David Gilmour, Alex de Grassi, and Steve Howe. Later this year The Newport Prairie Project will be recording his composition “Lupulo,” to be released next year on Cherry Ridge Records.
danny dine
Danny Dine is a Saint Joseph Michigan musician who has performed steadily in the region since 1983 in rock, country, blues, and pop bands. He also has a long history of performing solo and in duos in the area with talented vocalists and musicians including Venitia Sekema, Phil Anderson, Jenna Mammina, David Lahm, Sarah Carlson, and Tim Johnson. For the past ten years Danny has been teaching guitar and ukulele at the Citadel Dance and Music Center in Benton Harbor and enjoys sharing his knowledge with students of all ages. As a vocalist Danny’s tastes and talents range from Cole Porter and the Great American Songbook to Tom Waits, Tom T. Hall, and Peter Green. Later this year The Newport Prairie Project will be recording his compositions “Deep Burning Pain” and “We Were Scared,” to be released on Cherry Ridge Records in 2025.