Community Concert takes center stage

If you are a regular reader of this column, you are aware that this Saturday night at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center there will be a spectacular and excitingly unique concert.  For the first time ever, singer, guitar player, pianist, and songwriter Livingston Taylor will be performing along with the Voices of Unity Choir from Fort Wayne, Ind.  It is part of this year’s Community Concert Series, so many of the seats are taken, but some are still available.  And let me say it will be well worth the effort to attend this one.

Livingston, brother of legendary singer James Taylor, has performed on the Central Insurance stage back in 2008. He was so enjoyable that we wanted him back, even though we rarely repeat performers at the NPAC.  So this time, we have added the exciting and talented Voices of Unity Choir to join in the fun.  Not only have we added them to the program, they are so looking forward to this performance that they have added a horn and string section to their band and plan on really rockin the NPAC with some rollicking tunes you’re gonna love!  Their music is primarily Gospel and Soulful, but these young performers can mix a little of everything in their music bag.

After they open the concert, Livingston will take the stage to share his great music.  I have mentioned before that some of his music was Gospel in style so we felt the collaboration was just a natural.  One particular tune that I really enjoy of Livingston’s is entitled “Step by Step.”  I don’t believe it has been duplicated outside of the recording studio, but Saturday night, you are going to have the opportunity to hear it live.  Marshall White, director of the Voices of Unity Choir has arranged it for his choir to accompany Livingston and I think you’re going to love it!

We have really tried to make this concert something special for our Community Concert audience and those additional ticket buyers.  You can get single tickets at the door.  We have a very special announcement I will make Saturday night regarding next season, so don’t miss it or be late!

Speaking of special concerts, we finish this season’s Community Concerts with Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack show on Friday, May 11.  I just talked with Sandy Hackett today and he is one funny guy!  Anyone my age and above remembers his legendary father, comedian and actor Buddy Hackett.  Well he seems to be a knock off the old noggin.  In the show, he plays Joey Bishop, whom he knew as a boy growing up.  His dad, Buddy, chummed regularly with Bishop, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin.  Now that’s quite a crowd!  If anyone should know the Rat Pack, it would be Buddy Hackett’s son, Sandy.

Once again, we have taken the show and made it better than Las Vegas by adding from the Toledo Jazz Orchestra four saxes, two trombones, three trumpets, bass and piano.  In Vegas, you get a lot of recorded music.  In Van Wert’s Niswonger PAC, you get the real thing, baby!

Tickets are going fast, so don’t delay on this one.  As a matter of fact, pick them up at the box office this Saturday when you attend Livingston Taylor and the Voices of Unity concert.  See you there!

FINÉ.