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Culbertson provides NPAC season finale

VW independent/submitted information

Funk is coming and will bring a grand finale to the 2015-16 Niswonger season! Chuck and Karen Koch, along with Jim and Theresa Robideau, present a night of the funkiest jazz known to man with award winning musician Brian Culbertson, this Saturday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. Along with his soulful band, Culbertson has released more than 15 albums, including his brand new two-disc live CD commemorating his 20th anniversary tour.

Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson

Culbertson began his musical journey at the age of 8 on piano, adding drums at 9, trombone at 10, then bass at 12. He grew up near Chicago, loving genre-crossing jazz-pop artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Tower of Power, The Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Yellowjackets, Sting, and Chick Corea. So naturally gifted was Culbertson, his seventh grade piano recital consisted of all original tunes. The artist flourished in school bands throughout high school and moved to downtown Chicago to continue his musical studies at DePaul University.

In 1994, at age 20, Brian self-produced his debut album, Long Night Out. After that release, he then went on to compose jingles for clients such as United Airlines, Gatorade, Sears, Coors, and McDonald’s in the bustling city’s highly competitive advertising community, while still continuing to make records and tour.

Since then, Culbertson has released 15 more albums, toured around the world, seen his name at the top of Billboard and radio charts, worked and performed with industry all-stars like Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire; Larry Graham; Michael McDonald; Chris Botti; Musiq Soulchild; Ledisi; Barry Manilow; Herb Alpert; Natalie Cole; Chuck Brown; and Bootsy Collins, just to name a few, and received numerous awards, including being nominated for a 2012 NAACP Image Award and a 2012 Soul Train Award.

Regardless of his success, fans can be rest assured that with 15 albums and counting, Culbertson always brings his very best — and brings the very best out of others — in all of his broad-ranging musical endeavors.

The artistic versatility on Saturday will amaze, with unforgettable jazz magic in a dynamic stage show only Brian Culbertson could supply.

Supporting sponsors of this event are the Rex and Bev Fortney family. Tickets are still available and start at only $20 at NPACVW.ORG or through the Box Office, 419.238.6722, Monday through Friday, from noon-4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount and special group benefits.

The Niswonger is located at 10700 Ohio 118 on the south edge of Van Wert.

POSTED: 04/28/16 at 8:09 am. FILED UNDER: News