And the top 10 selling concerts are…

Just to give you an idea of how ticket sales have been going at the Niswonger since releasing Community Concert, Grand Series and Select Series sales, here is a rundown of who’s leading the pack and where they all stack up.  Here are the top 10 selling concerts thus far:

1. Kellie Pickler, 2. Debbie Boone,  3.Toledo Symphony’s Rodger’s & Hammerstein, 4. SONOS Handbell Ensemble, 5. OSU Marching Band, 6.Trace Adkins, 7. Voices of Unity, 8. West Side Story, 9. Under the Streetlamp, 10. Michael W. Smith. Honorable Mention: Tony Orlando and Point of Grace

Keep in mind that some of the concerts are part of the Community Concert Series that has currently 528 series buyers.  Some concerts also have multiple performances.  Although this is a list of the top 10, we are real pleased that everything across the board has seen strong interest and there aren’t many tickets separating most events.

Single concert tickets go on sale today (July 10) for Michael W. Smith.  So those wishing to purchase tickets for only his concert may start doing so today.  Typically, 90 days out is when the single concert tickets go on sale.  Select Series, Grand Series, and Community Concert Series tickets are still being sold and are selling quickly.  Each day we have added hundreds of buyers to our lists.  Remember: by buying three or more concerts, you get to reserve your seats now for those important upcoming concerts and events.

There is so much to talk about when it comes to performing arts in Van Wert.  If you are a regular reader of this column, you have a good knowledge; however I am also willing to come to meetings throughout the region and share about what’s going on.  What I cannot always share in print, I can with personal speaking engagements and am happy to do so.  We at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center have recently collaborated with a professional production company to put together some fascinating video of what’s coming to the Niswonger next season.  I would love to share this video and talk about the artists we have coming to Van Wert.  Feel free to contact me at my office at The Van Wert County Foundation, 138 E. Main Street or call 419.238.1743 or email me at director@npacvw.org.

We take a week off from a Van Wert County Foundation sponsored concert in Fountain Park, but don’t forget about the Van Wert Area Concert Band this Friday night. Directed by retired Parkway band director Richard Sherrick, this band has taken big strides in numbers and musicianship. The band has a program prepared for the park this Friday that I am sure will be entertaining and enjoyable. The Order of Eastern Star is also planning to serve food from the Rotary concession stand.  So come early, enjoy some food and then the 7 p.m. concert with the Van Wert Area Concert Band.

We return the following week with the tribute band, Minute by Minute — the music of the Doobie Brothers. Did you happen to see the PBS special of the Doobie Brothers’ farewell concert in 1982? This concert marked the first hiatus of the band as it was originally formed.  Song after song was performed and you were amazed at how many hit songs you recognized.  The Doobie Brothers came back following a five-year layoff and are still one of the most popular rock bands touring today, although only a couple members are original.  But their music lives on, as it will on July 19 in Fountain Park.