Finish strong — right up to the end

As we look to the last two concerts at the NPAC this season, I look to do what I always have told my kids: “finish strong!”  This has been a good season with many memorable concerts and shows to look back on. Eight concerts have sold out. Many others have been at 75 percent or more capacity.  In talking with other performing arts centers and theaters throughout the U.S., they would love to see audiences like this fill their halls.  We thank all of you for your support!

…But we’re not done!  If variety is one thing our loyal audiences have appreciated, then we are finishing right in style. Tuesday, April 19, we welcome the DePue Brothers Band. Some of you might recognize the name, but many are probably not aware of this family band of brothers. If you are in the latter group, you really need to trust me (again!) on this one. They are amazing! One of the things I find most amazing about them is that they are all skillfully trained violinists who know how to let their hair down with the common people and REALLY entertain.

On stage, you will hear two violinists who have made a big share of their living by playing in the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the nation, if not world.  The other brother has made his living by playing fiddle all over the country and primarily around Nashville. All the brothers have studied with world-renowned teachers at respected schools of music. Their father, Dr. Wallace DePue, retired professor of music at BGSU, saw to that.

The story is told of how the Philadelphia Orchestra was performing one night when the power went out.  With no lights, many classical musicians would be at a loss. Hmm … I think you know what I mean!  Well, the two DePue brothers and a bass player in the orchestra with whom they attended the Curtis Institute of Music, took the opportunity to entertain the audience impromptu.  I guess it brought the house down (if you could have seen it!)

If you are looking for a style of music to classify their band, I guess you would call it Bluegrass.  Their classical violin “chops” allows them to play Bluegrass like most can only dream of.  They take their playful attitude, add some highly professional musician friends who bring rhythm, and mix in their skillful playing to create quite an evening.

The variety continues with Jazz and R&B saxophonist Boney James on Saturday, April 30. Certainly one of the most recognized names of the smooth jazz world, James continues the tradition of smooth jazz artists who have taken to the Central Insurance stage at the NPAC, with the likes of Brian Culbertson, Dave Koz, and Spyro Gyra.  Many have learned that live concerts with smooth jazz are exciting and full of energy.

Tickets for both concerts are still available. Don’t miss out on these two season closing concerts. If you like variety, and love great music, these two concerts are for you.  Help us finish strong and enjoy the entertainment.

Keep watching the papers and media for the announcement of our 10th anniversary season of the Fountain Park Summer Music Series. As you now know, these summer concerts are all about having fun with good music.  Well, this year’s line-up will be a lot of fun and a lot of good music.

I can still receive names of non-profit organizations that wish to serve food at one of the summer concerts.  The cut-off will be this Thursday, as names are drawn this Friday, April 1.  Good luck to the 22 organizations I currently have.  All will be notified of the results. Summer is coming, believe it or not, and I think we are all good and ready!

FINÉ.