Wazzup with concerts in Van Wert?

Some say it must be nice to slow down a bit now that Niswonger concerts are done for the season. I understand what they are saying, but the reality is that we are in full throttle right now with planning, marketing, and implementing concerts.

What may be grabbing everyone’s attention at the moment is the beginning of the Fountain Park summer concerts. We just went through a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend that is often viewed as the window to the summer. With that, many of us start thinking about those fun Friday evenings in Fountain Park, compliments of The Van Wert County Foundation.  Completely understood!

We certainly look forward to June 6 with Papa Doo Run Run and then June 20 with Tom Rigney and Flambeau, where we experience that exciting electric fiddlin’ of Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans Blues style music. By the way, I will list the entire summer series again at the conclusion of this column for those who haven’t seen it.

At the same time, we have released the 2014-15 Community Concert Series at the Niswonger. This by far is the best “deal” on concerts at the Niswonger.  Six concerts are offered in this series for as low as $60.  If you haven’t seen this package of concerts, I invite you to check it out at NPACVW.ORG. You can find out in-depth information of the performers.

This year’s Community Concert Series features the renowned Annie Moses Band, as well as legendary folk artist Peter Yarrow.  That’s followed with a lively musical ensemble from, of all places, Cuba!  Two of TV’s all-time legends, Barbara Eden and Hal Linden, are featured in a stage production called Love Letters, and then concert pianist, Leon Bates performs before we finish with the Celtic dance and music spectacular, The StepCrew.

This is quite a package of entertainment for as little as $60!  It’s all on sale right now through the Niswonger box office.  The sooner you reserve your seats, the better your choices!

It will be another couple weeks before we announce the rest of the Niswonger’s 2014-15 season. I know this is later than we would have liked, but all I can say is that, if it is taking this long to get the season confirmed, there must be some huge attractions we are waiting on!  Keep your eyes and ears open for the announcement.

Here is the entire Fountain Park Summer Music Series line-up:

June 6              Papa Doo Run Run

June 20            Tom Rigney and Flambeau

June 27            Brass Transit (Chicago Tribute)

July 4               Lima Symphony Pops Star Spangled Spectacular

July 11             Motown Sounds of TOUCH

July 18             Van Wert Area Community Concert Band

July 25             Scarborough Fair: The Guthrie Brothers (Simon & Garfunkel Tribute)

August 1          Never Stop Believin’ (Journey Tribute)

August 15        Van Wert Area Community Concert Band

Remember!  All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

FINÉ.