‘Feel Good Friday’ coming to Fountain Park

VW independent/submitted information

With local residents looking forward to getting out of the house, after Gov. Mike DeWine announced a gradual relaxation of the COVID-19 “stay at home” order on Thursday, the Van Wert Live team is providing them with some place to go this summer.

Van Wert Live, in conjunction with the Van Wert County Foundation, has revealed its line-up of free summer concerts they’re calling Feel Good Fridays in Fountain Park. While it is possible the scheduled concerts may need to adapt to world events and state mandates, the following groups have been scheduled to perform this summer in Fountain Park.

June 5, Walden
Hailing from Athens, Georgia, Walden emerged as the city’s newest rock sound. The band quickly captured the college town’s attention. Six years after its inception, Walden has burst onto the scene with many major festival appearances across the nation.

These four young men quickly become one of the biggest upcoming musical acts in the southeast, capturing the attention of audiences of all ages with their raw sound, infectious energy, and the undeniable connection they share on stage. Comprised of Richard Becker (vocals/guitar), Jamie de Lange (bass), Eric Hangartner, (vocals/piano) and Andrew Mendel (drums) the quartet has remained just that ever since.

While each shares a dream of traveling the world creating music, they are drawn together by a common understanding to navigate through the perpetual noise that pervades everyday life in search of something else — something of true purpose and meaning which brings one a sense of truly feeling alive.

June 12, Farewell Angelina
Farewell Angelina is an all-woman country group with four powerhouse vocalists, dynamic songwriters, and accomplished multi-instrumentalists. The group’s stellar blend of heart-stopping harmonies over blazing double violins and guitars has earned soaring praise across the board.

Roughstock calls them a “Superstar Act… with Killer Songs.” Rolling Stone says, “Wickedly smart songwriting delivered with a healthy dash of sass… deft playing… into one sonic knockout punch.”

Farewell Angelina’s chemistry lives in watching each other shine, and most of all, creating moments every night with the Country Music fans they love so much. The relationship they share with their fans won them the fan-voted “Hot Seat” spot of the Taste of Country 2017 “Risers” Program by over 20,000 votes. They’ve also been named among Rolling Stone’s “New Artists You Need To Know,” and Roughstock’s “Ones to Watch” with a tour schedule to prove it.

The girls have opened shows for the likes of Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, Frankie Ballard, Jake Owen, Billy Currington, Maroon 5, and Trace Adkins, to name a few.

June 19, Rumours: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
The passion for the music of Fleetwood Mac is what makes Rumours a success. The band’s members have been influenced by and admirers of Fleetwood Mac for many years and strive to not only recreate their unmistakable, enchanting sound but to give it the honor it so rightly deserves. Fans attending Rumours concerts can feel the love!

While traveling across the United States and selling out venues, the band continues to collect an even larger and devoted fan base on a national level. Rumours lead singer Mekenzie Jackson (Stevie Nicks) was bewitched by the music of Fleetwood Mac at a young age and, as it turns out, she can duplicate the iconic singer’s voice so well that she and Rumours effortlessly transport audiences to the height of Fleetwood Mac’s amazing success. The sensational voices of Rumours accomplished musicians recreate the signature harmonies; and along with their expert instrumentation, stage moves and wardrobe, replicate those magical moments in music history that Fleetwood Mac fans cherish and can now relive again and again.

June 26, The Wayfarers
The Wayfarers emerged onto the scene in 2010 playing their own form of American Roots music. While much of their repertoire is drawn from the Appalachian tradition they revere, The Wayfarers fuse tight musicianship — centered largely by the fiddle — with the high energy that characterized early mountain music.

With old-time radio shows setting the example, their style encompasses Appalachian dance music, traditional mountain fiddle tunes, and pre-bluegrass music of the 1920s — resulting in a dose of nostalgic Americana. Their spirited approach to live performances is infectious, and people of all ages are drawn to the sounds of thumping washtub bass, driving guitars, sawing fiddles, and rich harmonies. Whether it’s at a large festival or barn square dance, a rock venue or a busy street corner, The Wayfarers continue to carry this music forward with creativity and authenticity, making it contemporary and fun.

The Wayfarers have been featured on the national PBS television series “Song of the Mountains”, released 4 studio albums, and have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in bluegrass & country music including Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Dailey & Vincent, Lonesome River Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Rhonda Vincent, and many more.

Saturday, July 4, Live on the NPAC Lawn with Fresh Horses
Entertainment is Live on the Niswonger Lawn for the Fourth of July with Fresh Horses! This Garth Brooks tribute is a high energy show that contains all the hits fans love and more. The Fresh Horses band has toured North America, receiving excellent reviews along with a great following of fans.

Light up the Fourth of July with a family celebration of Country music’s favorite songs by Garth Brooks. The band will entertain beginning at 7 p.m. and followed by the Van Wert County Foundation Fireworks Display on the VWCS Campus. The lawn is the perfect vantage point to experience the fireworks display. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of electrifying entertainment!

July 17, Linda Ronstadt Experience
Fronted by Tristan McIntosh, a 2016 American Idol finalist, The Linda Ronstadt Experience is “The Premier Touring Tribute” showcasing the songs that Linda Ronstadt made famous. The show takes you on a musical journey of smash hits “You’re No Good’, “When Will I Be Loved”, “That’ll Be the Day”, “Blue Bayou”, and many more.

The group’s repertoire spans from Ronstadt’s early days with The Stone Poneys, to the 1970s, where she helped forge the “Country Rock” sound with classic renditions of songs by The Eagles, Jackson Brown, Warren Zevon, and into the ’80s, where she parlayed the “New Wave” sound into huge hits with her chart-topping 10th album Mad Love. Ronstadt’s explosive live shows also included material by The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Little Feet, and other contemporaries of the day.

The Linda Ronstadt Experience takes the audience on an emotional ride of purity, power, and heartbreak as McIntosh soars through these songs as though they live inside her. Come out and revel in the songs Linda Ronstadt brought to life so beautifully; be part of the experience and follow Tristan McIntosh and The Linda Ronstadt Experience as they bring Linda Ronstadt’s music into the 21st century!

July 24, Old Crown Brass Band
Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, although its members are drawn from a three-state area, the Old Crown Brass Band includes professional musicians (from two major symphony orchestras), music educators, music industry professionals, and plain fun-loving amateurs.

The idea for the band was conceived by a group of brass players who were inspired to name the band after a certain beverage brewed by the now-defunct, but oft-remembered, Centlivre Brewing Company-Old Crown Ale. A British Brass Band differs from other wind bands. Reed instruments (such as clarinets and saxophones) are excluded while brass instruments rarely found in other types of bands (flugelhorns, baritones, and tenor horns) are included. Interesting fact: British Brass Bands flourished in the early 19th century during the Industrial Revolution.

Company owners often formed and funded bands as a “distraction” for workers who might otherwise engage in political activity which was potentially detrimental to the interests of the owners. The popularity of this movement has resulted in a significant repertoire of original compositions for the brass band as well as custom arrangements of orchestral compositions.

Relive an era of music that continues to bring joy amidst the struggle.

July 31, Good Rockin’ Tonight
As a Hall of Fame band, Good Rockin’ Tonight works to recreate the sights and sounds of what the music scene was like in 1959. Complete with authentic gear, slick suits, classic swagger, and a stunning set list you’ll be transported back to a time of sock hops, classy cars, poodle skirts and American Bandstand.

The band has been dishing out copious amounts of heavy hitters of the 1950s, such as Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Eddie Cochrane, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and, of course, Jerry Lee Lewis. 

Regarded as the Best 1950s tribute in Tennessee, the guys bring a top-notch show wherever they perform! Audience members can always expect the occasional “duck walk” from frontman Corey Woodlawn, bass spins and tricks from bassist “Big Ernie”, flaming piano solos from ivory man “Hot Sauce”, and the best dance beat this side of the Mississippi from drummer “Hawkeye”!

So shine those blue suede shoes, pick out that best poodle dress, get the hair slicked down or poofed up, and get ready for the biggest celebration of the summer! Come and party like a king!

August 7, Sanctus Real
Returning to Van Wert after performing on the Niswonger stage in 2019 is the Christian band Sanctus Real. With songs that celebrate the hope found in an unchanging savior, the group’s songs are influenced by the outward changes the band has experienced and the message is centered on how change can bring about personal redemption.

Life is, whether good or bad, a series of unexpected moments. Stripping away what was and getting down to the one thing that matters has given the band a new voice and solidified the purpose behind it. “

We’re a group of guys making music together as opposed to a group of guys getting behind a song. We’re focusing back on the simple message of the gospel,” says Graalman. “It’s the simple message of God’s love.”

Sanctus Real is discovering when you focus on what matters, you open yourself up to even more possibility. Join in the uplifting celebration in Fountain Park.

Van Wert’s very own Van Wert Community Concert Band will fill Fountain Park with musical grandeur on the opening and closing Fridays of the Feel Good Friday season on May 22 and August 4.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m. More details will be forthcoming of the accompanying festivities planned for the Fourth of July “Live On the Lawn at the Niswonger” event. Feel Good Fridays at Fountain Park food vendors are yet to be coordinated and announced. Stay tuned for more information.

Summertime will bring renewed hope and a fresh line-up of entertainment to fill Fridays with friends, fellowship, and feel-good music. Feel Good Fridays at Fountain Park are presented by Van Wert Live Events and powered by the Van Wert County Foundation. Visit www.NPACVW.ORG for more information or call the Van Wert Live Box Office from noon-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 419.238.6722.