The Rippingtons rip!

The Rippingtons ripped things up (figuratively, anyway) Saturday with the group’s signature blend of smooth and hot jazz at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. The audience also heard the smooth jazz sounds of Fort Wayne sax player Chris Brownlee and his group to start the show, while women in the audience received some chocolate treats following the performance, with a couple winning special prizes that included dinner for two at Willow Bend Country Club and two tickets for the Christopher Cross concert on February 14. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)