NPAC director’s choice awards

I hesitate to voice my favorites when asked about concerts, mainly because I had a hand in booking most all of them so I obviously like most of them. However, every once in awhile a concert comes around that just really speaks to me emotionally, educationally, and inspirationally.

This was the case this past Friday night when the American Spiritual Ensemble returned to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in concert. This is one of those that perhaps doesn’t have that “wow!” appeal by name recognition.  I fear too many dismiss a particular concert or show because they don’t recognize the performer.  If this was the case for some, they missed out on an amazing concert experience.

Far too often, the recognized named attractions offer much less talent and thus, sometimes entertainment value, than ones much lesser known.  In the case of the American Spiritual Ensemble, the amount of talent on the stage far surpassed most concerts you may ever witness.  If one didn’t recognize this just from listening, it became obvious when they each introduced themselves and gave a brief bio of their credentials.  Nearly half the singers held doctorate degrees in music while many others perform regularly in New York, L.A., Chicago and elsewhere throughout the world.  Each singer was a world-class soloist.  Twenty-one total singers and an accompanist who began concertizing in Italy at the age of three!

As you listened to the first big chord of this vocal ensemble, you knew you were in the presence of world-class musicians and vocalists.  And the thing I really like about the ASE is that its programs are also entertaining; nothing dry and boring about their performance.  I rarely go on about a particular performance at the NPAC, but this one blew me away … once again!  I would have to think that if they returned again, we should fill the hall to capacity.

The next show coming to the NPAC is a little like the one I just described.  Bowfire is perhaps not a name everyone recognizes, but includes world-class fiddlers and violinists, as well as other accompanying musicians. It is one “hot” show that has great appeal to every style music lover and is stunningly staged with light, sound and production. Not only is the show filled with many great musicians, but also dancers.  It is the complete sizzling bow show.

It is selling quite well and we hope for a full house for this March 10 Sunday afternoon matinee at 3 p.m.  Get your tickets online (www.npacvw.org), on Facebook, or at the box office (419.238.NPAC 6722).

Another all-star cast of horn players is the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band. Now some of you may say, “I have no idea what a Big Phat Band is!”  Well, I have to admit the name is a bit peculiar, but trust me, those who know big band jazz and popular show music know about this band.  Their music has been heard in many popular movie and TV shows.  I am sure if you took away their music, the movie would have little appeal and very little excitement.  The band is filled with horn players who are some, if not most, of the most sought after recording players in the business.  The Big Phat Band is today’s modern Big Band.  It will be an exciting concert.  I know that most of the Ohio State Marching Band trumpet players are licking their chops to hear this one!

Don’t forget that we have added a second show of Vicki Lawrence for Friday afternoon, April 5.  Her evening show sold out months ago, so we are giving the opportunity to others to get in on an afternoon of good times and laughter.  And who couldn’t use about two hours of good laughter today?

FINÉ.