Light Up My Life Under the Streetlamp

Okay, I know, this play on words is a rather shameful way to highlight two upcoming concerts, but it kind of works.  When I look at two of the first four concerts this fall at the Niswonger, these are the two I can highlight, because the other two are sold out.  Michael W. Smith’s concert on October 5 is a virtual sellout, with only about 14 seats scattered here and there still available.  The Ohio State University Marching Band concert on November 7 has been completely sold out for nearly a month.  And by the way, I just heard the band this past Saturday and they sound better than ever!

That leaves us with two concerts sandwiched between that still have seats available, although they are each selling quite well too. The “You Light Up My Life” reference is of course referring to Debby Boone. This was her mega-hit song that brought her recognition from millions of Americans. Her show on October 20 is actually a tribute to her father’s music, which he sang while concertizing on the strip in Las Vegas back in the 1960s. “Swing This!” is what she calls her show.  Her vocals will be backed by a big band, much like her father would have sung with in Vegas and also much like what would have backed mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney’s music.

She has obvious access to her father’s (Pat Boone) arrangements and at the passing of her mother-in-law in 2002, she was gifted her musical arrangements. You will hear and be able to re-live some of those great classic songs now with the golden voice of Debby Boone.  Along with the music, you will hear and be able to re-live those times of the 1960s when everything in Vegas swung.  Most recently, many of you have seen her Lifestyle Lift television commercials, which have put her in living rooms across America.

Her concert is a 3 p.m. concert and is actually part of the Community Concert Series; but many have been buying her concert tickets individually for the $30 price.  Add another $30 and you can get a ticket for three other outstanding concerts including, the Sonos Handbell Ensemble’s Christmas concert on December 1, the salute to the music of Rodgers & Hammerstein by the Toledo Symphony on March 9, and the Voices of Unity’s rousing concert on April 26.

Under the Streetlamp is one of the rising concerts of the season.  Those who have gone to our website: www.npacvw.org and viewed the video of their concert, have been sold immediately. Perhaps you saw a little clip of it on our video monitor at the fair this past week. This was just a snippet of their show. For a more detailed look at their concert, visit our website.  Once you do, you too will want a ticket.

Four energetic young men, singing and dancing to the music they helped make popular on Broadway’s hit musical, Jersey Boys. You will readily recognize the music and probably find yourself singing along, regardless of your age. Under the Streetlamp features the quartet of singers, as well as a very hot band of musicians.

Some may have seen, or soon will be seeing, them on a PBS special.  In 2012, their PBS special hit the waves to rave reviews; so much that they are now just days away from taping their second PBS special that will air in the spring of 2014. Their taping is this weekend in Chicago and then they hit the road, concertizing from California to Arizona and on to Ohio, where they will play the Niswonger here in Van Wert before moving on to Ohio University for a concert in Athens.  Their music and production appeal to everyone from college crowds to older adults.

I hope everyone realizes how fortunate we are to have such a performance here in Van Wert.  There remain about 200 seats right now for this November concert. I look for this to sell out in the very near future. Call (419.238.6722), go online or visit our box office (now open M-F noon-4) in person for the best available seat to either of these two outstanding concerts.

As the temperatures drop, the Niswonger season heats up.  Don’t miss the excitement at the Niswonger, “Where Inspiration is alive!”

FINÉ.