Final installment of 2024 Henry County Concert Series features Cornfield Mafia and local artists, John Thompson & Jasper Wright

Final installment of 2024 Henry County Concert Series features Cornfield Mafia and local artists, John Thompson & Jasper Wright

By: Kevin Vickery 

The Henry County Concert Series held at The Arts Park Pavilion in New Castle concluded on Friday, September 20th with a headline performance from Johnson County’s Cornfield Mafia along with New Castle’s own, John Thompson and Jasper Wright opening the show.

The concert series scored another perfect night for weather conditions as warm temperatures prevailed and not a cloud was in sight for the final event of the season.

Before the show, I was able to speak with John Thompson, a New Castle High School Science Teacher of 37 years and ask him how he ended up opening the show with young guitarist, Jasper Wright.  He explained, “Jasper was my student for two years but I’ve known him since he was a Freshman.  We started a guitar club at school for all skill levels two years ago.”  This was their second live performance together as they had also played on the same stage for Cool Climate Fest back in May.  He described Jasper as a “very talented multi-instrumentalist and guitar player”. 

I would definitely agree having watched the duo make their way through their versions of John Mayer’s, “Gravity”, Wes Montgomery’s, “Angel” and a few other instrumental jams they had worked up.  It should be noted that Jasper is also the current Drum Major for the New Castle High School Marching Band and had to quickly bolt out after their set to make it to the school in time for his obligations with the school band’s performance at the Homecoming game.

Up next was Cornfield Mafia who specialize in country cover songs from the ‘90s through today but also have a few deep cuts and even some modern pop tunes on their set list.  Co-lead vocalist, Mindy Britt, who I think channels a Shania Twain like vibe to their sound told me, “We try and mix it up and do a little bit of everything”.  I agree with that sentiment as it’s not every day that you hear a band with the depth to cover The Dixie Chicks’, “Goodbye Earl”, Martina McBride’s, “Independence Day” and Jo Dee Messina’s, “Heads Carolina, Tails California” while also in the next breath delivering powerful versions of 38 Special’s, “Hold on Loosely”, Brian Adams’, “Summer of ‘69”, and even Bruno Mars’, “Uptown Funk”.

That’s all possible because of the other half of the co-lead vocal team, Joe Waltz.  Both he and Mindy are the upfront feature of the band that ironically no longer has any of its original members. Both have been in the Cornfield Mafia only a couple years despite the fact that the band was established 14 years ago.  On that topic, John said, “I feel like I’m cheating it sometimes because I was able to join this great band that was already established and had gigs booked forever”.

Cornfield Mafia does have some original music available through all major streaming services that features their previous singer, John Suter.  The current version of the band which also includes; Eddie Bultman, Alby Albertson, and Patrick McGinley. does occasionally play that material.  As far as new recordings are concerned, Joe added, “We hope to write and record some new material this Winter after things slow down for us – Everybody wants us to do that.”

As we move into Fall and the Summer Concert Series has ended, I was able to speak with old friend, fellow local musician and 15 year Board Member, Marty Weaver who on this year’s events said, “It’s been wonderful – generous crowds, the bands have all been great, and the weather has cooperated. The Arts Park Pavilion is such an incredible venue and all plans are a go to do it again next Summer.”

Eight year Board Member, Monte Jackson added, “This has been my favorite year so far.” He also told me that all thanks for the fantastic job of sound engineering for the events go to Don Smith and his crew who I believe have done an excellent job at making the shows sound great.

I also spoke with another old friend, Brian Casey who’s the morning man on 93.5, Maximum Classic Rock and has also been the on-stage emcee for the entire Henry Country Concert Series. He said that he was looking forward to seeing Cornfield Mafia’s performance and added, “I think the concert series and the town of New Castle have been great – with shows from Flynville Train, The Why Store, and Henry Lee Summer.”  He added, “I love this venue – it’s very nice, covered, shaded, and has easy access parking – just a great place to see a show”.

I concur and have thoroughly enjoyed covering the 2024 Henry County Concert Series at the Arts Park.  Not only has the music been great all Summer long, but the Kiwanis burgers are always delicious and even better when you wash them down with an ice cold beverage from Tropical Shaved Ice who have both been present at every event serving up delicious food and drinks.

I’ll be looking forward to next year’s series and who knows, with any luck you might even see the return of yours truly as part of the series somewhere along the line.

As you must know by now, it takes a great deal of work and planning to bring a series of events like this to fruition and part of what makes that possible are the corporate sponsors.  The Henry County Concert Series thanks Modern Fold, Henry County Community Foundation, Edward Jones, New Castle – Henry County Chamber of Commerce, and Art Association of Henry County for their support.

For more information about Cornfield Mafia, find them on social media or their official website at cornfieldmafia.com

You can find John Thompson and Jasper Wright around the hallways of New Castle High School.

To find out about events at The Henry County Arts Park Pavilion visit the Art Association of Henry County’s website at henrycountyarts.org