Summer Music Series announced for 2011

Van Wert County Foundation information

The Van Wert County Foundation is pleased to announce its 10th anniversary season of the Fountain Park Summer Music Series. In 2002, Paul Hoverman, coordinator of Performing Arts for The Foundation, started this summer music series that has enjoyed enormous growth.  Supported by the Saltzgaber Music Fund, concerts are offered Fridays throughout the summer, free of charge. Those wanting to attend are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, or just roam the park and enjoy the music in the family-friendly environment of Fountain Park in downtown Van Wert.  All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Following is the line-up for the upcoming summer:

Friday, June 3 — The Van-Dells

Music, comedy, and fun for the whole family are what the Van-Dells are all about. Harmonious tunes from the Fifties and dazzling songs from the Sixties, plenty of laughs and lots of costume changes, The Van-Dells will kick off the 10th annual Fountain Park Summer Music Series and help Van Wert celebrate the Peony and ArtRageous festivals in fun fashion.

Friday, June 17 — After Midnight

The rockin’ 1970s are back and are hotter than ever!  The group After Midnight brings to Fountain Park all the fabulous Seventies flavors from the epic grandeur of Kansas, Styx and Journey to the glorious melodies of KC and the Sunshine Band and the Bee Gees. So grab a jeans jacket, Chuck Taylors and favorite concert T-shirt and see what people have been talking about!

Friday, June 24 — Simon & Garfunkel Tribute

With voices that blend effortlessly into that Simon & Garfunkel signature sound, and the overwhelming audience reaction to their performances this duo performs the perfect tribute to these two amazing artists in an “unplugged” acoustic style.  Come and enjoy a magical evening in the park with such classic hits as “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and so many more!

Friday, July 1 — Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra

Start the Fourth of July celebration off in grand fashion with the Lima Pops Orchestra. Maestro Crafton returns to Van Wert’s Fountain Park, bringing American Classics from Broadway to Hollywood and Pop to Patriotic.  You won’t want to miss this always-favorite concert of the season as the community kicks off an Independence Day celebration to remember.

Friday, July 15 — The Fox Brothers

Country Gospel will be on tap this evening as the award-winning Fox Brothers bring their talents and humor all the way from Nashville to the Fountain Park stage.  As members of the Christian Country Music Association, they have been the recipients of “Vocal Group” award five times and “Entertainers of the Year” three times. Their numerous albums and hit singles have garnered a Grammy nomination to go along with many awards for music and comedy.

The audience will enjoy an evening of foot stompin’ Country Gospel music, as well as hilarious comedy that only The Fox Brothers can deliver. Opening for the Fox Brothers will be The Tacketts, featuring Van Wert’s own Sarah (Evans) Tackett.  Sarah, a former Miss Ohio and Talent Award winner in the Miss Ohio Pageant, is part of this family Southern Country Gospel group from Defiance.  The Tacketts have recorded three albums and perform throughout the Midwest.

Friday, July 22 — Dwight Lenox & the Lenox Express

From Columbus, the cool, smooth and soulful sounds of Dwight Lennox and his seven-piece band will move music lovers with jazz and pop ballads and classics by such artists as Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Lou Rawls.  One of the few vocalists to ever be invited to perform with The Ohio State University Marching Band in Ohio Stadium, Lenox performs all over the region and can be heard in Columbus jazz clubs regularly. Backed by piano, bass, drums and a horn section, area residents are sure to enjoy this evening of class songs.

Friday, July 29 — Gary Jenkins and Thundering Hearts

This high-energy show/dance band specializes in classic rock, R&B, and contemporary country music.  They’ve shared the stage with Huey Lewis & the News, Kenny Loggins, Jay Leno, and Charlie Daniels, just to name a few.  The show developed while performing at Nashville’s “Opryland U.S.A.”  Music, audience participation and loads of comedy and laughter made them one of the most talked about shows ever to come to Fountain Park.

Friday, August 12 — Gary Puckett & the Union Gap

Join us for the summer finale in Fountain Park with legendary vocalist and recording artist Gary Puckett for an evening of classic hits that defined an era.  The audience will enjoy hits from the six consecutive Gold Records, including “Woman, Woman”, “Young Girl”, “Lady Willpower”, “This Girl is a Woman Now”, and many more. Disney Entertainment claims, “One of the best shows we’ve had!” and “A great entertainer … sold out again!” … Station Casinos.

The Van Wert County Foundation would like to thank the City Parks & Recreation Department for its assistance and cooperation throughout the past 10 years. Hoverman estimates that nearly 72,000 people have enjoyed the concerts in the Fountain Park Series over the years.  He invites everyone to come and enjoy another spectacular year of music and fun in Fountain Park. Fountain Park is located at the corner of Jefferson and Main streets in downtown Van Wert.