New Community Concert series previews

Niswonger PAC information

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center dreams of entertainment and it shows in this 61st season of Community Concerts. The series has been unveiled and features revered TV legends, a pianist, strings, vocals and high-energy dance. Entertainment dreams come true in the opulent comfort of the Niswonger.

The series begins on Saturday, October 4, with The Annie Moses Band. This award-winning group of Juilliard-trained musicians and songwriters is dedicated to musical and spiritual excellence in the arts. The Annie Moses Band is a young and exciting group well known for its diverse sound, from Classical to soulful Bluegrass music, that will move every soul with its heart-melting harmonies. All ages will delight in this zestful display of musical talent.

Then on Thursday night, October 9, Peter Yarrow of the iconic folk-rock group Peter, Paul, and Mary takes center stage, sharing stories and song in the very intimate setting of the Niswonger. Take a stroll down memory lane to when “Puff the Magic Dragon” was first created and delight in the soothing songs of Yarrow and Mustard Retreat, his friend-filled band. As an advocate of “anti-bullying”, Yarrow will also share his encouraging platform on that issue with students as part of his visit to Van Wert. Support of the Community Concerts affords this worthwhile cause that impacts communities through the arts.

The series then travels south to the Caribbean on October 13 to visit the lovely island country of Cuba. The Habañeros, a talented string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba are joined by virtuoso clarinetist, Ortuno Cabezas in a night of Classical and native Cuban music.  The concert will also feature the quintet, dressed in authentic, colorful Cuban Guayaberas, and performing with a digital backdrop displaying hundreds of rarely seen images of Cuba.

Headlining the series on Sunday, March 8, are two iconic legends of television: Barbara Eden of “I Dream of Jeannie” and Hal Linden of “Barney Miller”, who star in the modern American classic Love Letters, A.R. Gurney’s beloved play about two people who grow up in love with each other’s writing.

The Broadway tale is as much a celebration of the power of the written word as it is of love itself. Poetic, elegant, funny and profoundly touching, Love Letters shows that, despite how things seem, what divides people is rarely as powerful as what connects them.

The fifth concert of the series features Leon Bates, one of the finest concert pianists in the nation. This bodybuilding, world touring concert pianist found his love for music at the age of 6 and continued his talent all the way to Carnegie Hall. A master’s class and seminar of African-American composers and their contributions to American music is also featured.

The season comes to a triumphal ending on Thursday, April 9, with a trip to Ireland with the Celtic dance ensemble, The StepCrew.  This crew of dancers and musicians literally tear up the stage with their high-energy moves and Irish music.  Masters of three exhilarating dance styles: Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance and tap, this new show takes you on a journey with some of the finest dancers and musicians in the Celtic music scene today. The StepCrew delivers a show of both brilliant visual and musical display.

The Community Concert Series includes all six concerts for as little as just $60 for a balcony seat, $75 for mezzanine or $100 for orchestra seating. Become a Community Concert Series member at a maestro, principal or musician level. Community Concert members receive first buying opportunities and choice seating. Memberships are purchased separately from tickets. Maestro level sales begin April 30, principal May 5 and musician on May 12. General series subscribers may purchase seats beginning May 19. Any remaining seats will be available for single ticket purchases approximately 90 days prior to the concert date.

Wish no longer! Amazing entertainment becomes a dreamy reality at the Niswonger, located at 10700 Ohio 118 on the southwest edge of Van Wert. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, from noon-4 p.m. More information about the Community Concert Series can be found online at NPACVW.ORG.

The 2014-15 Community Concert Series is presented by Vancrest Healthcare Centers. Supporting sponsors are Delphos Hearing Aid Center, Central Insurance Companies, Taylor Auto Sales, Slusher’s Jewelry and Van Wert County Hospital. Season sponsors for 2014-15 season are StateWide Ford Lincoln and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.