Tony Orlando loves Van Wert!

Van Wert has a fan in show business! His name is Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis, or probably better known to everyone as Tony Orlando.  When Tony first blew into town back in 2008 he was spotted all over town, visiting businesses, residents, restaurants, and, of course, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

I remember going to the Fort Wayne airport to help pick him and his band up for their concert in Van Wert.  As he entered the airport from his plane, he was greeted by workers at the airport like they had been lifelong friends. It didn’t take long to realize why. Once you meet Tony Orlando, you are a friend for life. As he came off the plane and entered the waiting area, I introduced myself to him and he said, “Paul, just like Paul the Apostle; I’ll remember you easily. How are you, my friend?”  I knew we had booked a winner right away!

Gary Taylor of Taylor’s Auto Sales drove Tony back to Van Wert and, before going to the hotel, Tony took time to welcome everyone at the auto shop and then drive around town to meet some of Gary’s friends.  Now this guy had just flown in from Branson, Mo., and then had a car drive from Fort Wayne to Van Wert.  Many people would just say, take me to the hotel … PLEASE!

On the picture of Tony that we have hanging in the Green Room of the Niswonger, Tony wrote, “To the NPAC and Van Wert: the most amazing people in the world with one of the most beautiful performing art centers I have ever seen!” He told me that if he could ever just settle down somewhere, he would love to do it in a place just like Van Wert.  And he seemed so sincere, you actually thought about taking him to a local realty company.

I know that most of you reading this column know who Tony Orlando is from the days of his hit songs and TV Variety show, “Tony Orlando & Dawn” back in the 1970s.  However, there is a whole generation that never knew Tony Orlando, Dawn, their hit songs, or their hit television series.  They never went roller-skating at Byer’s Roller Rink as a kid and clicked their skates on the floor to, “Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me.”  Oh, the fun they have missed out on!

Tony Orland & Dawn strung together a list of hit songs in the 1970s that included “Sweet Gypsy Rose”, “He Don’t Love You”, “Cupid”, “Candida”, and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Old Oak Tree”, perhaps his signature song.  This song has connected with so many veterans over the years, from his days of touring with Bob Hope to the current days in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Tony absolutely loves and respects those who have and are serving in the military.

It’s a lot of fun to see old clips of Tony & Dawn on YouTube on the computer. We have a clip on our Niswonger website: NPACVW.ORG you can easily click on and enjoy. Boy, it’s fun to see those wonderful guests Tony had on his TV show who have since passed on … real legends in entertainment!  Tony is now one of those legends and he is returning to Van Wert on December 7 to perform his “Great American Christmas Show”.  It will be a Saturday evening to remember!  A few tickets remain, so don’t miss this opportunity.

Tony has been performing in Branson for 20 years and this will be his last year in Branson.  In the future, he will tour the U.S., performing in performing arts centers and casinos across the country.  We are fortunate to have gotten him on one of his rare touring dates this year, and we got him on a Saturday night.

Next year, he will be all over the country; that is, if he doesn’t just decide to settle down in Van Wert permanently!

FINÉ.