Ides of March close out park music series

With the soaring horns, driving rhythms and recognizable vocals of John Peterik singing “Great God in Heaven, you know I love you!”, the Ides of March whisks its way into Van Wert’s Fountain Park for one big finale to the season. Once again, it seems we just got started and before you know it comes the time we have to say so long — but not before we leave you with one more memorable concert in the summer of 2013!

Lead singer and songwriter Peterik will make Friday night in Fountain Park a memorable one. Peterik, who also founded the band Survivor, is back in the leading role with the Ides of March. The lyrics I quoted at the top of this article are from the rock classic “Vehicle.” You can expect to hear many of Peterik’s classic songs, including “Eye of the Tiger” that he co-wrote with Frankie Sullivan and was made famous in the movie Rocky III.

The Ides of March come to us from the Windy City of Chicago.  Since their return in 1990, The Ides have been busy touring all over the country in great demand.  Much in the style of bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, the Ides make use of trombone, sax, and trumpet to create a power-packed sound that I really think you will enjoy.  In talking with longtime band member Larry Millas, he says they are looking forward to a rockin’ evening in Van Wert.

I do want to remind you that even though I say this is our (Van Wert County Foundation sponsored) final concert of the year, there will be one more concert the following week from the Van Wert Area Concert Band on Friday, August 16. It would be great to pack the park for them and show our appreciation to these local musicians for all their work in keeping music alive locally for many adult musicians.

I also don’t want to leave the summer behind without once again thanking the Evergreen Garden Club, which provides such great work in Fountain Park, making it a beautiful setting for all these concerts we enjoy on Friday nights. I know it’s a labor of love for the community and they don’t necessarily want the attention, but it is truly organizations like this in our community that make things just that much more special. Thank you, Evergreen Garden Club!

We can’t sign off without mentioning that today, Wednesday, August 7, beginning at noon, is the release date for tickets to The Ohio State University Marching Band, “The Best D*#! Band in the Land”, concert on November 7 at the Niswonger.  This Friday, you will hear the exciting amplified sound of three horns, guitar, bass and drums with the Ides of March.  On Thursday night, November 7, you will have the opportunity to hear the acoustic power of 225 brass and drums from the stage of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center!  What an experience this will be!

Tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event in Van Wert are just $25 for adults and only $10 for students. If you thought the Buckeye band sounded great in St. John’s Arena or in Ohio Stadium, just wait until you hear them from the stage of the Niswonger!

Already with Grand Series and Select Series packages sold, 750 seats are taken.  We can probably squeeze 400 more and then we are maxed out.  So don’t delay in getting your tickets.  I’ve been working on getting the Bucks here to Van Wert for over a dozen years.  It will be special!  Go online at www.npacvw.org or call (419.238.6722) or stop by the box office.

In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful weather.  The weatherman says a high of 81 on Friday — perfect for our last concert of the season. Thanks for your support.

I WILL see you in Fountain Park this Friday night.  The Van Wert County Historical Society will be serving food, so come early and get ready for the 7 p.m. finale with the Ides of March.

FINÉ.