Presenting Sponsor: $6,000
Includes all Premium Sponsor benefits, plus:
- Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor
- Center-focused logo placement on all event materials and banners
Business & Community » Because of You Campaign » Sam Bush at Northeast State

Celebrate Northeast State Community College’s 60th anniversary with an unforgettable evening of live music under the stars.
Join us on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at the Northeast State Community College Amphitheater for performances by Grammy Award-winning Sam Bush, Asheville-based Fireside Collective, renowned cellist Dave Eggar and the Northeast State Jazz Ensemble. Enjoy great music, local food trucks and an evening with friends, family and the community.
Every ticket and sponsorship helps expand opportunities for Northeast State students. Concert proceeds benefit Workforce Solutions and the Entertainment Technology program.
Known as the "King of Newgrass"
Grammy Award-winning Sam Bush pioneered a progressive style of bluegrass that blends traditional roots music with rock, folk and jazz influences. Throughout his acclaimed career, Bush has collaborated with legendary artists including Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Béla Fleck and Lyle Lovett. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of New Grass Revival in 2020 and again as a solo artist in 2023.
Asheville-based
Asheville-based Fireside Collective combines traditional bluegrass with contemporary influences, delivering energetic performances that have garnered a national following. Their 2020 release, “Elements,” charted #3 on the Billboard Bluegrass Charts.
Award-winning Cellist
Dave Eggar is known for his genre-defying collaborations spanning classical, jazz, Americana and rock. His cello performance opens Coldplay’s hit song “Viva La Vida.”
Student-musicians
The Northeast State Jazz Ensemble showcases talented student-musicians and performs a diverse repertoire of jazz and contemporary favorites.
Plan ahead for a great concert experience.
Northeast State Community College is committed to providing a fun and welcoming experience for all guests.
The concert venue is wheelchair accessible, including accessible parking and pathways to the amphitheater.
Service animals are welcome in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
For accessible seating and other accommodations, please reach out to Megan Davidson at MLDavidson@NortheastState.edu at least one week before the event.
A clear bag policy will be in effect to ensure the safety of all guests.
To help with traffic flow, guests are encouraged to enter campus using the entrance closest to the walking trail. This is the second entrance on the right when traveling from Gray on TN-75 and the first entrance on the left when traveling from Blountville.
Entrance to the event will be located between the William W. Locke Humanities Complex and Wayne G. Basler Library.
Guests of all ages are welcome. All attendees, regardless of age, must have a valid event ticket for entry. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
A variety of local food trucks will be on-site beginning at 5 p.m., offering food and beverages for purchase. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Food trucks include Smashed Tri-Cities, Dylan’s Asian, Brunch Box, Cluck Truck, TN Hills and El Mr. Taco.
Official artist merchandise will be available for purchase during the event.
Free parking is available in Lot 10 behind Wayne G. Basler Library. Event parking attendants and directional signage will be available to assist guests upon arrival.
Service animals are welcome in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Other animals and pets, including emotional support animals, are not permitted.
Personal photography is welcome. Please refrain from using flash photography out of courtesy to the performers and fellow attendees.
All ticket sales are final and are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, tickets may be transferred to another guest. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be relocated indoors to the Ballad Health Regional Center for the Performing Arts.
Restrooms are available in the Ballad Health Regional Center for the Performing Arts and Wayne G. Basler Library.
Guests are encouraged to bring seat cushions and blankets. Lawn chairs and folding chairs are not permitted. Amphitheater seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sponsor seating will be reserved according to sponsorship level. Accessible seating can be reserved by contacting MLDavidson@NortheastState.edu.
Northeast State Campus Police will be present throughout the venue to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Northeast State Community College prohibits smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping and smokeless tobacco use on campus. Use of these products is restricted to personal vehicles that sit at least 50 feet away from any building entrance.
Misty Mountain Designs and Carter Family Fold will also be on site.
The concert will be held outdoors at the Northeast State Community College Amphitheater. If inclement weather occurs, the event will move indoors to the Ballad Health Regional Center for the Performing Arts, located next to the amphitheater.
4 Sponsorship Levels to Elevate Your Brand
Includes all Premium Sponsor benefits, plus:
Includes all Core Sponsor benefits, plus:
Includes all Community Sponsor benefits, plus:
Megan Davidson
Director of Development
423-279-7630
mldavidson@northeaststate.edu
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