The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Iconic singer coming to Van Wert Sunday

Oxymorons have a way of weaving into dialogue and are reflected throughout life. From my perspective, not as a manner of contradiction, but rather as complements. For instance, I prefer foods that are salty-sweet. As a creative who craves order, I find myself being wildly-controlled. It’s the Yin and the Yang of life that forms a sense of completion and blissful balance. And that is precisely what we will discover this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. on the Niswonger stage.

By Tafi Stober

Van Wert Live presents virtuosic-trailblazing pianist Jim Brickman, who will own the first act of the “Evening of Love Songs” performance. The second half will make way for the marvelous Melissa Manchester, who is known for love songs that sooth, but you’d miss out on her other half if you didn’t know her songs that sizzle! Melissa and her band will perform her chart-topping hits, as well as some selections from her recently released album.

In 1980, Melissa Manchester became the first recording artist in the history of the Academy Awards to have two nominated movie themes in a single year: “Through The Eyes of Love” from Ice Castles and “I’ll Never Say Goodbye” from The Promise, and to perform them both on the Oscar telecast.

Melissa also starred in the national tours of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Music of the Night” and “Song And Dance”, and created the role of Maddy, the title character’s mother, on the NBC hit TV series “Blossom”. Nominated for a Grammy in 1980 for “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” she won the Grammy Award for best female vocalist in 1982 singing “You Should Hear How She Talks About You.”

Melissa Manchester

Melissa has also composed music for the animated features The Great Mouse Detective and Lady And The Tramp II, the sequel to the Disney classic. In addition to composing the scores for the theatrical musicals I Sent A Letter To My Love and Sweet Potato Queens, Melissa also co-wrote the radio mainstays “Midnight Blue”, “Come In From The Rain”, and “Whenever I Call You Friend.”

She is celebrating her 45-year career with the release of her 21st album, The Fellas, a tribute to the iconic male singers who set the platinum standard for the music of the great American songbook. Her newly released album, Re:View, features previously unreleased songs as well as fresh takes on several of Melissa’s enduring classic hits. 

We invite you to take a peacefully-energizing retreat this Sunday. Escape to the Niswonger to witness two powerhouse performers on our very own stage in Van Wert. This is where the wildly-calm things are! Your ticket awaits.

POSTED: 02/20/20 at 8:48 am. FILED UNDER: News