Van-Dells in Fountain Park this Friday

Van Wert independent/contributor content

The Fountain Park Summer Music Series will begin with a bang this Friday when the top rock ‘n’ roll review group, the Van-Dells, come to town.

The opening concert in the series, which is held in conjunction with the Peony Festival and ArtRageous on Main events, will include not only the concert, but artists and craft vendors, a car show, food vendors and kids’ rides in the Fountain Park area.

The Van-Dells will perform beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and will bring their four decades of entertainment experience — a blend of comedy, costume changes, choreography and tight harmonies — to the band shell in Fountain Park. Often referred to as “The Three Stooges set to music,” the three lead singers each bring a special dimension to their shows. The fun, fast-paced show will begin with music of the Fifties and continue into the Sixties. Backed up by a five-piece band that includes keyboard, bass, drums, guitar and saxophone, the show is similar to a two-act play, rather than the typical rock show.

The Van-Dells, named for Van-Dell High School, which closed in 1958, often dress in letter sweaters as well as class rock ‘n’ roll.

Following Friday’s concert, other Summer Music Series events will include:

June 17 – After Midnight (Seventies rock)

June 24 – Simon & Garfunkel tribute

July 1 – Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra’s “Celebrate America” Independence Day concert

July 15 – Fox Brothers (Southern Gospel from Nashville, Tenn.)

July 22 – Dwight Lennox & the Lennox Express (jazz and classics)

July 29 – Gary Jenkins and Thundering Hearts (dance band and comedy)

August 12 – Gary Puckett & the Union Gap (classic rock)

All concerts are free and open to the public and start at 7 p.m., with food served beginning at 5:30 each evening prior to concerts.