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Dave Barnes Selected as Headliner for Northwest Soiree: A Garden Gala Presented by Mini Systems, Inc.

by Sarah Smith-Hutchinson

Senatobia, MS (11/29/2025) — Northwest Mississippi Community College's Foundation announced the headliner for the Northwest Soiree: A Garden Gala as pop singer Dave Barnes, who will perform after the awards ceremony at the fourth annual fundraising event on April 11, 2026, at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts in Senatobia. Returning this year as Presenting Sponsor is Mini Systems, Inc.

Barnes has been a singer-songwriter since his years in Mississippi, where he grew an attachment to hip-hop, soul, blues and R&B. After years of being a fan of music while attending Middle Tennessee State University, he began writing songs for other artists.

While at college, he began playing solo shows on campus and graduated with a degree in recording industry management. With that degree, Barnes moved to Nashville and started his own music career.

His lyrics have remained strong with his faith-one of his most popular tunes, "God Gave Me You" became a smash hit on Blake Shelton's "Red River Blue" album. Barnes has over 100 songs recorded from a variety of artists, including Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, NEEDTOBREATHE, Billy Currington, and many more.

The Northwest Soiree is the college's premier fundraising event, and this year's theme is set to bloom this spring season. Last year the Soiree raised over $142,000 for students.

"The success of the Soiree continues with the strong support of the Presenting Sponsor, Mini Systems, owned by Tracy and Melody Crutcher," said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement. "The generosity Crutchers have shown in supporting the Northwest Soiree goes unmatched. They believe in Northwest's vision of transforming students' lives, enriching our communities, and striving for excellence in our educational programs and services. They have been our Presenting Sponsor since the inaugural Soiree in 2023 and we are so grateful for Mini Systems."

All levels of sponsorships are now available! For information on sponsor benefits, please visit: www.northwestms.edu/soiree or call the Foundation Office at 662-560-1103. For those interested in attending the Soiree or the concert only, tickets will be available January 2026.

Media Attachments

Patti Gordon executive director of Institutional Advancement and Tracy Crutcher of Mini Systems. Photo provided by Northwest Foundation

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President of Community Relations, adale@northwestms.edu

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