Don’t be left out this Friday

This Friday will be a big day for the performing arts in Van Wert. Two big events will occur that I hope you can be a part of.  First of all, the Fountain Park Summer Music returns with After Midnight performing music from the Seventies. The other event is the opening at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center box office for Select Series purchases. This begins at noon and the concert in Fountain Park begins at 7 p.m.

Last year, the release of Select Series purchases created a huge turnout.  We expect the same this Friday as this has become very popular with our patrons.  The Select Series allows you to select any 3-5 concerts for a 10 percent discount, or six or more for a 15 percent discount.  Another advantage to the Select Series is that you receive earlier purchasing dates than single ticket purchasers.  So, I encourage everyone to take a look at the upcoming NPAC season and see if there are at least three concerts you may want to attend.  If so, come to the Van Wert Federal Grand Lobby by noon on Friday and select your own series of concerts … and receive a discount.

Some people last season were disappointed to learn that a few concerts were sold out before single tickets were even released. This was because they were so popular they sold out from just Grand Series and Select Series purchasers.  I don’t know if this will happen again this year, but the possibility is certainly there.

Single concert purchases normally go on sale to the public approximately 90 days before a concert is held.  The exact date is published in all the printed material and is listed on the web site.  This attracts a large number of out-of-towners who may have heard about one of our concerts from an ad or maybe a performer’s website.  Those of you who read this column and receive our marketing materials on a regular basis have a bit of an advantage.  So, I urge you to take advantage of the opportunity if you are able.

Even if you are unable to purchase tickets for NPAC concerts, we are still offering a free concert with the Air Force Band of Flight on November 13.  Beginning October 26, free tickets will be distributed through Times-Bulletin Media and the NPAC Box Office.

Speaking of free, the outdoor concerts at Fountain Park resume this Friday night with a Class Rock cover band from Cincinnati called After Midnight.  Some of the music you may enjoy will be from bands like Chicago, Boston, Journey, Styx, Kansas and much more (sounds more like a road map!).  It amazes me that so many radio stations are still playing this music.  I guess it has seen a bit of a revival with this younger generation.  So many of them are listening to the songs I listened to when I was their age.  Good music certainly stands the test of time (thankfully, bad music eventually goes away!).

Friday’s concert could be a little loud for some, so please plan accordingly and know that we try to please different people at different times.  This being said, I am still surprised at how many older people still enjoy so many different types of music.  You know, the Seventies are now 30-40 years in the rearview mirror.  Amazing!  I thought I was still 20 … hmmm.

FINÉ.