March 28, 2024

Unwind At Five kicks off Friday in Newton

New social features music, beer and wine

A group of Newton-based organizations is launching a new effort for locals to relax, socialize and network in the downtown area.

The Unwind at Five music series will allow adults age 21 and older the chance to enjoy beer, wine and music while networking with others. The events will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays through December, with the inaugural event set for this Friday at the at the First Avenue Speakeasy location, 109 1st Ave. W., on the courthouse square.

Newton native Jeff Banks, a guitarist and vocalist, will team with longtime partner and keyboardist Justin Appel for the entertainment this week. Each Friday will feature different entertainers and a different local sponsor, with the Newton Daily News sponsoring the inaugural week.

The Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce, Young Professionals of Jasper County and South Skunk Blues Society are hosting the series, with input from Newton Main Street Director Graham Sullivan.

“It’s going to have music that’s pretty chill,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Amanda Price. “We’re making it a point to have Iowa-made wine and beer on hand, so it’s really a cultural and a networking event.”

The events will be open to the public, but are only for a 21-and-older crowd. There is a $2 cover, and “artful” food and drinks will be for sale.

The 7 p.m. wrap-up time not only would allow businesspeople with a weekday schedule to still attend other local events, such as high school football games, it also allows musical acts to play at another venue later on that same Friday evening.

Price said Elaine Mattingly, president of the South Skunk Blues Society, came up with the idea. The Blues Society will be instrumental in securing musical talent for the series.

Price said she wanted to make sure the series benefits members of the Chamber of Commerce.

“This event benefits chamber members in two ways,” Price said. “It allows each business to get its name out there by sponsoring an event, and it’s also a great networking opportunity.”

The Sept. 23 event, sponsored by Edward Jones, features the music of “Definite Distraction,” a trio of well-known central Iowa musicians — John Mattingly, Jimmy Robinson and Scott Davis — who play as part of JJ Express on a regular basis. Their selection for the Hunter Mansion will be jazz-based.

Locations, entertainment and sponsorships have not all been completely determined for the series. The first three Friday events will all be at the at the First Avenue Speakeasy.

Questions about sponsoring the event or hosting a Friday evening Unwind at Five event can be directed to Price at the Chamber of Commerce, at 641-792-5545 or info@experiencenewton.com.

“It will be low-key, like what you’d hear in some jazz clubs, or a piano bar,” Price said. “We want people to be able to socialize.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com