ABTF ENcore: macon the stage

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Newton Collier was born on July 23, 1945 in Macon, Georgia. His parents, Lucile Birdsong and Newton Collier, led a group called the Sweethearts of Rhythm. With his parents' example to guide him, Collier began playing piano at age six and the trumpet at ten. He started playing professionally with the Pinetoppers, the original band backing Otis Redding. Soon after graduating from Ballard Hudson High School in 1963, he joined Sam and Dave, who are best known for their 1967 Grammy award-winning song "Soul Man." 

Sam and Dave's band broke up in 1970 after an international tour. The horn section formed a new band called LTD and moved to Boston. Collier worked on a freelance basis and married his sweetheart, Beverly Nelson. Their daughter, Charity, was born in 1973. Then, one night in 1976, tragedy struck. Collier was going home from an engagement when an unknown assailant shot him in the face. After three years of reconstructive surgery and recovery, Collier could speak well enough to be understood-but he could not withstand the pressure required to play the trumpet or trombone.  

After the accident, Collier helped publish Progressive Platter Music Review. Having studied electronics at Boston's Wentworth Institute, he found work as an electronic technician-first at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1970 to 1976, then at Wells Fargo from 1976 to 1982. From 1979 to 1988, he worked in the fledgling computer industry at Honeywell Computers. In 1984, Collier learned of an instrument designed by John Steiner at M.I.T. called the E.V.I., Electronic Valve Instrument. This windblown synthesizer, sounding like a trumpet but requiring far less air, enabled Collier to play in Boston-area cafes and small clubs.  

In 1988, Collier moved back to Macon and opened Collier's Records and Tapes, specializing in rare and collectible albums. Unfortunately, despite the store's magnificent collection, it did not turn a profit and closed in 1997. Collier now makes a living as a taxicab driver.  

On June 8, 2019, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, Landmindz, Inc. and the historic Douglass Theatre will host a ceremony in his honor at the unveiling of Newton "Newt" Collier on the Douglass Theatre Walk of Fame. 

Bibliography: Who's Who in Black Music, 1984. p. 128. 

Photo by: Maryann Bates

What is your late seating policy? Doors open 15 minutes prior to each show for PRIORITY EXPRESS ticket holders immediately followed by General Admission. Please arrive 30 minutes early. Late seating is NOT permitted.

What about parking? Parking is plentiful and free. YES, FREE!

Are tickets available online? Yes! In fact, you can save more by purchasing your tickets online. You can either 1.PRINT your tickets at home or 2.PRESENT the bar code on your phone at the door. CAUTION: Duplicates will be voided.

Can I purchase tickets at the door? Yes! Although the price is slightly higher. We strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets online.

What methods of payments are accepted? We accept CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS only. Due to safety and security reasons, WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH AT THE BOX OFFICE.

What is your policy on the use of electronics? NO, NO — using devices with screens (and particularly ones that also make sounds) disrupts the cast and other patrons (they are very visible from the stage). We suggest you power off everything before entering the theatre. We reserve the right to dismiss anyone caught using an electronic device.

Social Media Exception: We absolutely hope that you tweet/share/text everyone you know after the performance to let them know what a wonderful time you had here AFTER the show!

Can you accommodate people with disabilities? Yes, we have wheelchair access for those who are in wheelchairs. Ask Guest Relations for assistance if needed.

What is your refund policy? All sales are NON-REFUNDABLE; however, tickets can be exchanged as credit for another show. Stop by the Box Office or Guest Relations for assistance. There is a $2 exchange fee.

What about smoking? Smoking is NOT allowed in the building including bathrooms, theatre, cafe, or lobby at any time. That includes e-cigarettes.

We are committed to providing a world-class experience for you and your guests. If you're dissatisfied for any reason, please notify the attendant at Guest Relations and we'll work with you to make your experience better.