Toledo Jazz Orchestra in park on Friday

Van Wert County Foundation news

The music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and many more will fill Van Wert’s Fountain Park Friday night as the Toledo Jazz Orchestra takes the stage in the latest Fountain Park Summer Music concert.

As a special treat for this Van Wert concert, Rob Smith, a former jazz trumpet soloist with the Woody Herman Band, and Mike Williams, current lead trumpeter for the Count Basie Orchestra, will be performing with the TJO. In addition, jazz vocalist Judie Cochill will sing with the band.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Highway, an antique car show will enhance the great music of the Big Band Swing Era. Celebrate Recovery of Van Wert will serve a summer menu of delectable foods to go with shaved ice, popcorn, and cotton candy.

Bring the kids and grandkids to the park to enjoy this free concert, sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation, in cooperation with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation Department.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Area residents are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.