Community Concert Association news

The plan has always been to have a new Community Concert Series ready to introduce to everyone by our upcoming DePue Brothers concert this Tuesday, April 19.  Unfortunately, the new news is no new news — yet.  Agents and artists are not committing as quickly as we need them to for next year, so our timetable is a little off.  If you are currently a Community Concert season ticket holder, don’t expect anything in the mail before the DePue concert on Tuesday.  As soon as we can finish the work on the season, all current ticket holders will be notified of renewal procedures.  We will make it as easy as possible.

I can tell you that if all the pieces fit together like we would like, it will be a tremendous line-up for Community Concerts again next season.  Unfortunately, all the pieces are not in place yet.  So hold on and we will notify you soon.

The DePue Brothers concert on April 19 will be the last of the Community Concert Series this season.  Looking back, I think we have had a great season.  It started with funny man and world-renown impersonator Rich Little last October.  Then in February, we thoroughly enjoyed the American Spiritual Ensemble.  What a musical inspiration they were!  Last month, we welcomed Five By Design with Club Swing.  Now, we will enjoy some fantastic fiddling from the DePue Brothers.  They and their band will amaze you.  If you don’t have a ticket for this concert, there are still some single tickets available at the box office.  I really think you’ll love these guys.  They are phenomenal fiddlers!

Well, with April showers comes Singin’ in the Rain with the Van Wert High School theater/drama department.  This weekend, starting Thursday and running through Saturday (April 13-15), one of the most favorite Broadway musicals of all time will be presented in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. I know the kids and staff have been working very hard for months on this performance and are looking forward to sharing their performance with all of you.  You can get tickets in advance at the NPAC box office (cash or check for this one!) or at the door the night of the concert.  All shows begin at 7 p.m.

Many special effects and sets have been created to make this a first-class production.  Kids have learned to dance and of course Gene Kelly (our own Daniel Bashore) has learned to dance and sing in the rain — real rain on the stage.  This you will have to see!

There are three performances for you to catch. VWHS English, drama and theater teacher Michelle Stoller has done wonderful work with the kids once again and Hugh Saunier, our tech director at the NPAC, has worked diligently to make the production top notch.  Robert Sloan, VWHS band director, has put together a pit orchestra to provide live music for this difficult music score.

Brochures for the Fountain Park Summer Music Series are now available. Feel free to stop by The Van Wert County Foundation office on Main Street and pick some up for yourself or a friend.  You will start seeing them around the area at local businesses also.  A complete listing is also available on the NPAC website www.npacvw.org.

FINÉ.