Give the gift of music…

As we wrap up an exciting and busy holiday season at the NPAC, I begin looking forward into the next year.  And as I look ahead, I see many concerts that would make great gifts for people to enjoy.

On January 6, “Steel Magnolia” comes to town bringing a high-energy contemporary country concert that would appeal to many younger people.  For those looking for inspiration and wanting to meet the next best thing we in America have to Royalty, President George W. and Laura Bush’s daughter, Jenna will be speaking at the NPAC on January 24.  She will talk about how lives can be changed through compassion, community support, and educational opportunities.  Perhaps the most interesting time might be the Q & A following her speech.

For those looking for a Valentine date night, “Restless Heart” will fit the bill very nicely.  This Pop/Country vocal group has had many hit songs everyone will recognize and enjoy.  They are the perfect band for Valentines Day and their concert is February 11.  Many have enjoyed seeing Celtic Women on television the past couple of years.  Our version is going to be a spectacular stage show entitled “Women of Ireland.”  It will be filled with Irish step dancing and clogging as well as all live music created by the lovely voices of these beautiful Irish women and accompanied by an Irish band with lovely and elaborate staging.  Catch this one on February 25.

A couple wonderful family shows are coming in March when Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof comes to town with two big shows on March 3.  Then, the loveable “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” will enchant the young and young at heart on March 18.  Sandwiched between these two shows is a jazz favorite of the NPAC, Brian Culbertson, who is returning with his friend and fellow pianist David Benoit.  It will be dueling grand pianos on the stage creating great jazz.  As a matter of fact, single tickets for this concert are going on sale today! (Wednesday, December 14)

There is more that you can check out on our website as we close out our season in April and May. I think this gives everyone something to look forward to in the dark winter months ahead.  Come to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio and keep in touch with friends as well as meet and welcome new visitors to our area.  Each show brings new people to our community.

I hope you have enjoyed some of the Christmas shows thus far.  We have one more coming this Saturday night when John Tesh brings his Big Band Christmas to town.  If you love hearing Christmas songs done in the style of Sinatra to Cole Porter, you will love hearing it live from John Tesh. Although known mostly for his television and radio, Tesh has always wanted to perform music.  Now with his Big Band Christmas and other touring shows, he gets the chance to entertain audiences throughout the world with music.  This Saturday, you may have the chance to hear him in Van Wert.  This 7:30 p.m. concert is technically sold-out, however you might check the box office to see if any tickets have been turned in at the last minute.

So, for this Christmas, may I suggest you present someone with tickets to a concert or a gift certificate from the NPAC?  As many of you have discovered, live music is always better!

FINÉ.