Triple-header coming up at NPAC

Well, this week, performing arts in Van Wert has something for everyone and it should be a good week for our local restaurants, hotels and retailers.

Starting this Thursday, which just happens to be Valentine’s Day, a very memorable concert will take place at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Christopher Cross, one of the hottest singer/songwriters of the 1980s, will bring his band into town to help relive all those wonderful memories when we were younger. If you don’t recall Cross’ music, just check out his website and listen to his music. You still hear it played today; once again, good music survives the test of time.

For me, Christopher Cross’ music takes me to Spring Break 1980 on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale.  I still remember listening to “Ride like the Wind” and “Sailing” while basking on the beach and trying to forget about the stresses of college studies. Could there be any better beach songs than these two?

The next year, the movie Arthur, starring Dudley Moore, came out in the theaters and featured Christopher Cross’ next mega-hit song as the “Theme from Arthur”.

Many of you may have watched the Grammy awards this past weekend on TV.  In 1980, Christopher Cross made Grammy history by winning all four general field Grammy awards (Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artist) in the same year. To date, he is the only artist to have won those four awards in the same year. Now he is coming to the NPAC for a romantic and exciting Valentine’s Day concert. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and you can pick up tickets at the door or get them now for a better selection!

After you have been a hero for taking your wife to Christopher Cross for Valentine’s Day, or just enjoyed the concert with everyone else in the house, make yourself a hero to the entire family by returning this Saturday for the spectacular Cirque Ziva! I can’t think of a more amazing show for everyone — kids to adults — to enjoy!  It stars some of the best acrobats in the world: the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats.  We have had them before, but now they are put into this spectacular Cirque Production that should just be out of this world!

We have scheduled two shows: a 3 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 evening show.  Tickets are available at the door and in advance or on Facebook and our website (www.npacvw.org).

For this one, you may want to get up close. I have a friend who is bringing his son and they are sitting in the second row because they were there the last time and experienced the guy stacking chairs to the ceiling, perspiration dripping from the acrobat’s brow, as he went to a one-hand stand some 30 feet in the air.  Anxious and exciting moments will take place from start to finish.  It’s always cool to see these acrobats flying all over our stage.

Phew!  Well, if that isn’t enough, take a moment on Sunday afternoon to relax to the music of students from Van Wert County schools as the Van Wert County Young Artists Recital takes place at 3 p.m. in the cozy confines of First United Methodist Church. This marks the 10th year for this showcase of local talent.

There will be no pre-recorded music with this recital. What you see and hear comes entirely from the performers you see on stage: all high school students from Van Wert County.

This recital is free and open to the public and sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation. We are proud to work with local music teachers to display the best musical talent in our schools.

Vocal and instrumental solos and ensembles, in addition to some outstanding pianists, will make up this recital. Come, enjoy and support these young musicians.  Who knows where the next Grammy award winner may come from?  It could be Van Wert County. Come and find out for yourself.

FINÉ.