Clifford — and all that jazz!

Another big weekend awaits us at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert.  It’s big in a number of ways.  First of all, it’s big because there are two concerts; one Saturday night and the other Sunday afternoon.  Secondly, it’s big because a Big Red Dog named Clifford is coming to our stage on Sunday.

In what just might be the “sleeper” of the season, Clifford, The Big Red Dog is nearly sold out for Sunday’s 2 p.m. matinee. As I write, there are about 25 seats spread throughout the house that are open.  A few $10 seats still remain, so you might still be able to make your child or grandchild happy for an affordable amount. It has to be the “hottest” kids show in the area!  We expect a full house of excited children and parents for this live stage production starring the adorable Clifford.

You know, seeing a child excited about watching one of their TV heroes live is as exciting to an adult as it is the child. It’s a lot like Christmas. It really is more exciting and gratifying to give than to receive.  Call the box office (419.238.6722) or go online (www.npacvw.org) to reserve one of the last few available tickets.

We precede Clifford with a more adult-like jazz concert featuring two outstanding jazz pianists/keyboardists: David Benoit and Brian Culbertson.  Even this show has a bit of kid flavor to it, though, as Benoit is known for his piano adaptations for “Peanuts” TV shows.  If you think about it, often in the background of the “Peanuts” shows is some really “cool” jazz piano.  If you come to Saturday night’s concert featuring these two pianists, you will find that David Benoit is much, much more than a Charlie Brown pianist.  His performances are renowned!

He will be joined on stage by one of Smooth Jazz’s most popular artists, Brian Culbertson.  Brian makes a triumphal return to the NPAC, as he has performed to very exciting crowds in the past.

The stage will be set with two grand pianos.

It should be a magical and fun evening as these two artists will make these pianos sit up and talk.  An exciting evening of piano and jazz for sure!  Some good seats remain available for this 7:30 p.m. concert this Saturday.  So, take your choice or better yet, we’ll see you at both concerts this weekend.

I am just about ready to announce the Fountain Park Summer Music Series. I’m just waiting on confirmation on my final concert and then the announcement will be made. It’s going to be another fun summer of music in Fountain Park. That is my number one goal for music in the park.  I want people to come and enjoy themselves while visiting with friends and visitors and hear some entertaining music.  I think summer has made a very early appearance this year.  I’m really not sure winter ever showed up …. not sure what that says about this summer!  I guess we’ll find out.

If a non-profit organization you are affiliated with would like to be included in our lottery for serving food at one of our summer concerts, just have them call our office (Van Wert County Foundation: 419.238.1743) before April 1. It is a great opportunity to earn some money for your organization and provide a good service for our patrons in the park.

FINÉ.