Fountain Park music series ready to go

For the 11th consecutive year, The Van Wert County Foundation is teaming with the Van Wert Parks & Recreation Department to present Friday night music in Fountain Park. And as has been the case most of these years, we kick off the season on Peony/ArtRageous Festival weekend.

This Friday night, the Bronx Wanderers will take the stage at 7 p.m. to entertain the huge opening crowd with their inimitable Doo-Wop and Rock & Roll style music from the 1950s and ‘60s.  However, if you think this music group is just one for your grandma, listen to what esteemed actor Danny Aiello says about the Bronx Wanderers.

Actor Danny Aiello says it best when he introduced the band with an opening narrative “Being a teenager on an avenue in the Bronx back in the ’50s and early ’60s was unlike being a kid anywhere else in the universe. There was a magic in the air that blended right in with the sweet aroma of Mama’s cooking. It was the liberating sound of doo-wop and rock and roll. This music had heart, soul, purity and a sound… oh the sound…tunes that made you want to dance … harmonies that made you high … lyrics that once in a while, even made you cry.”

The Bronx Wanderers capture the essence of that ’50s and ’60s music as well as anyone can. If you get a chance, catch this show. You will NOT be disappointed — but be prepared to clap your hands, sing along, or madly cheer.

To give you a little more idea of what the concert will include, listen to what another reviewer states:

The Bronx Wanderers exude so much energy. It’s music from an era that will never be equaled. The Bronx Wanderers make people feel good when they leave the show. The group has reverence for the great music of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but they are well aware of the decade they are performing in. You will be amazed when you see “Vinny The Kid’s” amazing Coldplay tribute, “Viva La Vida.” It brings the house down every performance. As you can imagine, when The Bronx Wanderers headline in concert they are at the apogee of their game and it’s an evening that always delivers standing ovations from sold-out crowds.

I think it is easy to understand why this band was the choice to go with this big opening weekend of festivities in Fountain Park.  Of course, they will be a perfect fit with the car show happening around the park Friday night as well as all the other activities.  Friday night’s concert with The Bronx Wanderers actually wraps up a whole opening day of activities with the Peony and ArtRageous on Main Festivals.  For a complete listing of activities, visit www.visitvanwert.org web site or stop by the Convention Visitor’s Bureau office on Main Street, next to The Van Wert County Foundation office.  Saturday and Sunday also offer plenty of activities, including of course, the big Peony Festival Grand Parade starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

So, let’s welcome summer into Van Wert by filling Fountain Park with our first concert of the season this Friday night at 7 p.m.  Food and fun music will be in abundance as The Bronx Wanderers kick off our eight-concert season of concerts on Friday nights in Fountain Park.  (If rain would persist throughout the day and into the evening, concerts would be moved into the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Ohio 118).  Bring friends, lawn chairs, and blankets and enjoy the first beautiful Friday night of concerts in downtown Van Wert- all free thanks to The Van Wert County Foundation!

For a complete listing of all the Fountain Park Summer Music Series concerts, go to www.npacvw.org or see Fountain Park Summer Music on Facebook!  You may also pick up brochures at The Van Wert County Foundation office, the NPAC or at Friday night’s concert.

FINÉ.