Two big music dates coming up soon

With the beginning of June, you need to mark your calendars for two of the biggest happenings for music in Van Wert.  First of all, we have finally arrived — concerts in Fountain Park.  This Friday night at 7 p.m., the first concert of our summer season will take place, compliments of The Van Wert County Foundation, in cooperation with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation.  It just happens to coincide (quite by intention) with the Peony and ArtRageous Festivals.

What says summer more than the music of the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons?  Of course, there is much, much more music than this, but it will be provided by the most popular beach party band from California: Papa Doo Run Run.  Four years ago, PDRR made their first appearance in Van Wert and won the hearts of music lovers from all over who attended. To kick off our summer of concerts in Fountain Park, I just knew it was time to bring them back.

Of course, with the festivals going on this weekend, there will be a lot of fun activities and food to go with the music of Papa Doo Run Run.  West Main Street will play host to a car show, and there will be craft and art shows to accompany food vendors surrounding the park.  And then, don’t forget about the Peony Festival Grand Parade at 5 on Saturday night.  Get your lawn chairs ready though, for the big 7 p.m. Friday concert.  If we have the kind of weather we have been enjoying, we are in for an exciting and fun night in Fountain Park.

The following week, we take Friday night off as there will be an all-star football game in Eggerss Stadium.  Then we return on June 20 with the saucy Cajun sounds of Tom Rigney and Flambeau.

Now, for the second big date in June!  I know many of you have been waiting to find out who we have coming to the Niswonger PAC.  We have announced the Community Concert Series, but on June 11 we will unveil all the other concerts, shows and attractions.  The act of getting artists to confirm dates in a timely manner is always a challenge, but we are now ready to announce.

Variety is one thing so many of you have complimented the Niswonger on offering.  This fall will begin a whole new season of new artists, many you will instantly recognize and others you should recognize.  But once again, variety will provide someone for everyone.

Wednesday, June 11, at noon in the First Federal Lecture Hall, season sponsors- Statewide Ford and Van Wert Federal will proudly announce the new season.  We invite any who are interested, to join us in the Lecture Hall for a lite lunch provided by Willow Bend, accompanied by the announcement and words about the new season.  Media, sponsors, and underwriters and friends will gather to help kick off the season announcement and provide information about when tickets will go on sale.

So, don’t miss these two big dates coming real soon.  Even when you think things are slowing down, we are working hard to keep music in Van Wert alive and well!  You can relax and we’ll provide the music.

FINÉ.