NPAC releases Community Concert info

VW independent/NPAC information

The new Community Concert Association season for 2015-16 was announced Tuesday night at a special gathering of association members at Willow Bend Country Club and then to the public at the StepCrew concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Next season’s series features five outstanding concerts for the entire family and all ages to enjoy and is sponsored by Vancrest Health Care Centers. Supporting sponsors include Slusher’s Jewelry, Central Insurance Companies, Taylor Auto Sales of Van Wert, State Farm Insurance-Tisha Fast agent, and Van Wert County Hospital.

Van Wert Federal Savings Bank and Statewide Ford-Lincoln will sponsor the entire Niswonger season for 2015-16.

The season kicks off on Sunday, November 1, with one of the stars of PBS, the amazing Ethan Bortnick.  This 14-year-old musical prodigy has moved audiences nationally and internationally as a pianist, composer, singer, entertainer, and a driven humanitarian. His deep musical knowledge, broad tastes, and staggering talents make his performances a treat for the entire family. Performing all styles of music including jazz, classical, rock n roll, and memorable originals, Bortnick’s shows excite crowds of all ages.  You will hear everything from Beethoven to the Beatles and Bieber.

Also, look for Bortnick’s second PBS special, which will be aired nationwide.

Christmas comes to Community Concerts this year when the famous fiddlin’ DePue Brothers perform their “Grassical Christmas Show” on the Niswonger stage on Thursday, December 17. These virtuosic fiddling brothers meld world-class fiddling and violin playing with soothing voices to create an evening of traditional and contemporary Christmas tunes.

Originally from Bowling Green, where their father was a professor of music at Bowling Green State University, the four brothers are now, individually, concertmaster of the Indianapolis Symphony, members of the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, and a nationally recognized fiddle champion from Nashville, Tennessee. They add musical comrades on percussion, bass, banjo, and guitar to create dazzling and beautiful Christmas music area residents won’t want to miss.

All the way from New Zealand, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra will take the stage Thursday, March 3, 2016.  Known for its winning combination of charming humor, disarmingly small ukuleles, and sublime musicality, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra is one of the world’s great modern stage acts.

Armed with high-octane ukulele solos, heavenly harmonies and outrageous costumes delight audiences of all ages. The orchestra’s comedic banter is spontaneous, and when members burst into song, their sweet sounds can silence a room or bring a crowd to its feet. The group’s fun concerts can feature songs by artists such as Justin Timberlake, Dolly Parton, Elvis, The Beatles, Hall & Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Prince and Kenny Rogers, alongside tunes from The South Pacific.

Round up the family and circle the wagons to the Niswonger on Friday, April 15, 2016, for some Grand Ole Opry style musical comedy from Riders in the Sky. People may know this quartet of singing cowboys from Pixar’s Toy Story 2, where they sang Grammy Award-winning music such as “Woody’s Roundup.”  New this year is their “Tribute to the ‘King of the Cowboys’ Roy Rogers.”

The Riders are the only ones entrusted with the original Roy Rogers film library. Join Riders in the Sky as they take us for a Western musical adventure that encourages buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way.”

The Community Concert Series 2015-16 closes with a triumphant finale when the Texas Tenors make their way to Van Wert for an electrifying concert on Sunday, April 17, 2016.  With their Emmy Award-winning PBS special now airing across the country, and Billboard chart topping albums, it’s easy to see why The Texas Tenors are quickly becoming America’s favorite tenors.

Since their whirlwind debut on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, The Texas Tenors have accumulated a long list of awards, accolades, and excited fans.  People are clearly enjoying their talent as they were recently named among the top 10 classical artists in the world for 2014, according to Billboard magazine.

Their unique harmony of Country, Classical, Broadway, and Contemporary music, along with breathtaking vocals, humor, patriotism and cowboy charm, will create a memorable finale to the 2015-16 Community Concert Series.

Anyone can become a member and make their purchase starting today beginning at noon. There are three levels of memberships: Maestro ($200), Principal ($100), and Musician ($50.)  Maestro sales are from today through April 19. Principal members begin April 20 and run through April 22, while Musician members may purchase from April 23-28.

Memberships include other benefits and may be purchased at any time. Beginning April 29, general sales of the series begin. All five concerts may be purchased for as low as $60.

A special feature has been added for those who want a dinner and a show. Willow Bend Country Club will be serving themed dinners to go with each concert (see the NPAC website or inquire at the Niswonger Box Office for details).

Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., 419.238.NPAC (6722).  Additional information and purchases may also be made online at NPACVW.ORG. The Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio is located at 10700 Ohio 118 on the southwest edge of Van Wert.