Fifteen Years…

Opening in 2007, The Niswonger Performing Arts Center has entertained well over 300,000 from the Central Insurance Stage in the majestic Saltzgaber Auditorium.

Van Wert Live, along with Scott and Nikki Niswonger and The Van Wert County Foundation present an offering of three acts to honor the legacy of live entertainment in Van Wert. The celebration on October 1 includes The Crystal Commemoration Dinner at Willow Bend Country Club, The Founders’ Fifteen Years of Fame Concert Featuring Marie Osmond, and the Afterglow At The Edition with live band Honey & Blue. Supporting sponsors making the celebration possible include Bruce & Julie Kennedy, Tom & Julie Burenga, Kenn-Feld Group, Tim & Kari Stoller, Strategence Capital, Gary Taylor, Lee Kinstle GMC and Taylor Auto Sales.

Oh, what a night it will be. Each act is exclusive of the other and tickets are sold separately for each event. Here’s what to expect:

Act 1: Dinner

Crystal Commemoration Dinner at Willow Bend Country Club The Crystal Commemoration Dinner honors our cultural arts heritage and makes a toast to the continued growth of the live performing arts in Van Wert. Fellowship and dine in the fine ambiance of the Willow Bend Country and indulge in a well-appointed dinner selected by Chef Ron. A cameo appearance by featured artist, Marie Osmond, adds a bit of flair to the festivities.

Social hour begins at 4:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the Crystal Commemoration Awards Ceremony. The Founder’s Fifteen Years of Fame Concert Featuring Marie Osmond begins at 7:30 p.m.

The lavish menu includes Charcuterie, Caesar Salad, Assorted Bread, Filet Mignon with Hollandaise Sauce and Shrimp Scampi served with Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes and asparagus, New York Style Cheesecake with Cherries and finished with a Champagne Toast.

Act 2: The Show

Founders’ Fifteen Years Of Fame Concert Featuring Marie Osmond with the Lima Symphony Orchestra and Select Youth Choir of Van Wert County

American Icon, Marie Osmond has spent six iconic decades in the entertainment business performing as a successful singer, television performer, and talk show host, dancer, actor, author, entrepreneur, and public speaker. She has continued to maintain relevance, remaining an instantly recognizable figure across the globe.

Her debut single “Paper Roses” reached the No. 1 spot on two Billboard charts, a feat that not only placed her among an elite class of musical royalty but instantly catapulted her into international superstardom.

She is a multiple gold and platinum-selling artist and CMA winner, garnering numerous She is a multiple gold and platinum selling artist and CMA winner, garnering numerous Billboard chart-topping singles and albums, and three New York Times Bestselling books. She has entertained millions throughout the world through television, radio, film, literature, live concerts, and Broadway performances.

Marie’s performance encompasses a lifetime of experience, music, love, loss, hope, and joy as a representation of her remarkable life. She has influenced countless audiences and benefited an innumerable number of lives worldwide.

This momentous performance will be accompanied by The Lima Symphony Orchestra and made complete by the Select Youth Choir of Van Wert County.

Act 3: The Afterglow At The Edition

After the final curtain call at The Niswonger, the euphoria continues at The Afterglow. The Edition plays host to this soulful finish complete with decadent appetizers and The Afterglow cocktail. The night gets even sweeter with Honey and Blue, a duo in perfect harmony. The band, a self-described blend of pop and soul, is fronted by singer/songwriters Adam Darling and Stephanie Amber. A single ticket admits entry to Honey and Blue Live performance, The Edition Appetizers, and The Afterglow Cocktail.

This perfectly paired evening will be fitting of a Fifteen Years Of Fame Celebration. Our family has certainly grown in the past 15 years and continues as we deliver on the promise to provide entertainment experiences that are so good they demand a return. We are grateful for each investor, sponsor, member, and patron who has been part of The Niswonger success story. The legacy continues and we hope you will join us in sharing the goodness of live entertainment in Van Wert, Northwest Ohio’s Music City!

Rock Fountain Park Friday night!

It’s week four of Feel Good Fridays in Fountain Park and fans from near and far have told us they are ready for more!

Cream Camino is a dynamic alt-rock band hailing from Ohio’s capital city and recognized as one of the region’s most compelling live music acts. Known as “The Gentlemen of Rock” – Jeff, Jon, Jarrod, and JC – uniquely blend iconic cover songs, radio-worthy original tunes, and top 40 medleys that leave an audience mesmerized. With a covers catalog combining artists like Adele, Neil Young, Sublime, Ozzy Osborne, AC/DC, Chris Isaak, and Tom Petty – there’s something for everyone in a Cream Camino show. Their lively performance also includes unforgettable original songs that leave the audience remembering their name.

Cream Camino began in 2012 with Jeff Manning (vocals/guitar) and Jon Gunder (drums). Having forged a friendship in our youth – the chemistry was organic and the intention of Cream Camino was to have fun and make good music. Jeff and Jon recorded an album (Dames & Disbelief) with no intentions of releasing it on any streaming platform. In 2017, Jarrod Pinkerton (bass), was invited over to jam with Cream Camino and they knew he was a missing piece. That’s when they decided to take Cream Camino to the people, releasing their first album globally and soon began working on their second album (Closer To The Bridges).

Over the next few years, Cream Camino was known as a three-piece band. Performance opportunities at various venues throughout Central Ohio and opening for national touring acts took them further than they dreamed. In 2021, JC Young (guitar), joined Cream Camino, allowing a fuller live sound. With Jeff doing most of the guitar recording, the band could now provide the rhythm and lead guitar parts in live performances that fans were hearing in the studio recorded versions. The result of the four-piece band is a power-packed performance that is gaining traction with a growing trove of fans.

“We love to cover songs in a way that makes it feel like you’re hearing the song for the first time again,” Manning said. “Our originals are catchy and multi-genre. We’re most proud of the relationships we have built with other musicians, venues, and our fans.”

Friday night was made for rock! Join us in Fountain Park at 7:30 PM for a VanWertPalooza that will set the weekend into motion with live music made possible by the Van Wert County Foundation and Van Wert Live.

Country flare…

Van Wert Live’s Feel Good Fridays, a gift to the region from The Van Wert County Foundation, continues its journey into the heart of Summer. Live music provides a euphoric environment on Friday nights in downtown Van Wert. People converge upon Fountain Park from near and far for the purpose of experiencing the good life. Diversity of programming is key when creating the free summer series roster. It’s Americana at its finest made possible by donors from nearly a century ago who envisioned a Van Wert where the arts would flourish for all.

This Friday is no exception. The Feel Good Friday jukebox selection is country and Allie Colleen of Nashville will fill Fountain Park with her original sound. Oklahoma-raised country singer Allie Colleen delivers her own brand of authenticity and depth through honest lyrics and soulful vocals. Her songs convey authenticity of emotion, whether happy, hopeful, angry, or sad, which makes listeners feel as though they’re peeking through a window into her heart.

Allie Colleen does not rely on her famous surname to make it as a country singer. Instead, the 24-year-old graduate of Belmont University is strategically doing her own thing and has paid her dues without riding the coattails of her father, Garth Brooks, or her stepmother, Trisha Yearwood.

Although she’s making her own way, Colleen embraces the country music traditions and storytelling talents shared by her family.

“My grandma was Colleen Carroll. She was a singer,” Allie shared. “God knows if this story is true, but I always thought it was the coolest thing – my grandpa told us about the day he met our grandma. He was just in from the military. He went to a bar, and he just heard her sing. He was like, ‘I’m going to marry her.’”

Colleen has a heart for people, both on and offstage. Her most significant lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic was gratitude for her audience.

“I will never take for granted the one person in the crowd,” she said.

She’s hopeful that people will get to know her music before arriving at the concert.

“It’s nice to see people downloading songs and following socials after a show but I think, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we could experience the music together?’” she said.

We are honored to feature Allie as part of Feel Good Fridays in Van Wert.

Visit alliecolleenmusic.com to get to know her music and the soul behind the lyrics. Experience music however you like to be – sit and relax or sing loud and dance. On Friday nights, it’s your opportunity to break loose and be free!

It’s Week No. 2 of Feel Good Friday and the nostalgic hits just keep coming. This Friday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. we go back to 1964 when Beatle Mania arrived in the United States.

Since 2013, The Sunrise Jones (TSJ) has been wowing crowds across northeast Ohio with their spirited renditions of rock and pop’s most beloved jams. From headlining shows at The Music Box Supper Club, The Rock Hall, and The Beachland Ballroom to entertaining countless satisfied wedding and corporate clients, this talented five-piece band has made a name as one of the best cover bands in the land! Offering an eclectic catalog spanning the rock and pop spectrum, TSJ’s brand of high energy, faithful covers is sure to keep music fans in Fountain Park on their feet!

The Sunrise Jones includes Mike Murray (keyboard, guitars), Dave Hamilton (vocals, piano), Matt Vance (guitar), Adam Christian (bass), and Dan Jankowski (drums).

TSJ came from different bands, including the long-running local group Copperfoot.

“The other guys had started the Sunrise Jones and were looking for some new players,” Murray said. “We jammed one night on a whim and decided we just wanted to play some covers that we were passionate about. It grew from there.”

The group put together a setlist of covers that Murray says are songs “you just don’t hear.” The group’s first show was at Kixx Lounge in Geneva, Ohio in 2014.

“It was sparsely populated,” he said. “It was a dive bar in the sleepy part of Geneva. We just wanted to get our feet wet. It was pretty low, with all due respect to Kixx, but then, the band started playing at weddings and other events and expanded its repertoire. We want to be as eclectic as a jukebox.”

Murray added that the group now has 100 songs at its disposal and he said one night, the guys were at a jam night at the now-shuttered Westside bar Stampers, and Hamilton launched into a cover of “Hey Jude.” Murray says he “did a classic head turn” as he heard Hamilton because he sounded so much like Paul McCartney. 

“I’ll never forget remember hearing someone crush a cover like that,” he said. “We’ve agreed on the Beatles. It’s the one thing we all like the most. We dedicated ourselves to learning the parts as faithfully as possible. You hear a lot of Beatles covers but you don’t get the attention to detail. We want to bring that to the forefront. It’s more of an appreciation than a tribute. We don’t want to dress up in the outfits. We respect that, but we want to have the fans feel like they’re part of it, and we tell stories about the songs.”

The band currently knows about 30 Beatles’ tunes.

“They had like 100 hits, but we’re still learning more. We want to rip out as many as we can at will.”

Last Friday an estimated 2,500 guests converged at Fountain Park to appreciate live music and friendly camaraderie that Feel Good Fridays presented by Van Wert Live and totally underwritten by the Van Wert County Foundation provides. Stay tuned to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and Van Wert Live social media on Thursday at 5 p.m. for any weather-related venue changes. The Niswonger is the backup venue when a sunny good time is threatened. It’s Free! It’s a good-time Friday! No matter the weather, we’ve got live entertainment that will change your mood for the better. 

Feel Good Friday!

It’s almost time for Feel Good Friday! The popular and free summer music series, presented by Van Wert Live and totally underwritten by The Van Wert County Foundation kicks off this Friday with the wildly entertaining Dirty Deeds Extreme Tribute to AC/DC. The word on the street is this tribute is a must-see spectacular with costume changes and stage props that relive the authentic AC/DC Concert Experience.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. but the park is open throughout the day to secure your space with lawn chairs and blankets. The Peony Festival coincides with the concert so Downtown Van Wert will be brimming with exciting opportunities for family fun. Slusher’s Jewelry is partnering with Van Wert Live to add special flair with free swag that will be handed out in the park before the concert.

Also adding to the festive vibes this summer is the return of Van Wert Live On The Road. This partnership with T102 brings live radio remotes to Van Wert and a chance to win a trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Anyone over the age of 18 can enter to win at the live remote before the concert and capture a selfie with a T102 on-air personality! The Nashville winner will be drawn on August 15. The Nashville trip includes three nights of accommodations at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown and a choice of two tickets to over 30 attractions including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, Ryman Auditorium, and many other Nashville destinations. Registration is also available at vanwertlive.com.

Summertime has finally arrived and we are ready for a good time! Engage the senses in downtown Van Wert this Friday night through a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, good food, friends, and laughter all around!

Noonatics!

“Give the lady what she wants!”

This statement was a driving force behind the success of retailer Marshall Fields. He understood his audience and knew that the consumer need was more potent than his ability to sell something they didn’t recognize as fulfilling. The entertainment industry is much the same way. The highest quality of performers can be placed on a Van Wert Live stage but if it’s not what the audience wants, it will not sell and our operation will not be sustainable. So we make it a point to get to know our guests and our potential guests who have never purchased a ticket.

Relationships and understanding the entertainment desires of the region are vital to the success of our non-profit organization. The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation will be embarking upon a marketing research study to gauge the entertainment interests of the region so that we can diversify our product offering to satisfy the need. Another way we gain this information is through conversations with our esteemed guests in the lobby of the Niswonger. The Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone event was no exception. I happened upon the Dray Family who chose Van Wert as their entertainment destination – four generations of them! Larry Dray, representing the second generation, shared their story.

“My two sisters, Nancy and Diane, became Noonatics in 2008. Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone was performing in Ft. Wayne. Tickets were $5! They thought they would like his concert. When it came to the day of the event, they were busy, and considered not going. Driving to the concert, they even talked about turning around and going back home. Well, 5 minutes into the concert they became Noonatics for life! He was again in Ft. Wayne in 2012 and we had 12 family members attend that concert, all wearing Noonatic shirts. He noticed and commented about it on stage. One family member was pregnant, and her shirt said ‘Future Noonatic,” and yes, we certainly wore our Noonatic shirts to The Niswonger.”

“I live in Mesa, Arizona, and had been planning this road trip for a few months. I needed to visit friends and family in Wisconsin and Indiana. My family lives in Ft. Wayne. My mom is 93 years old, and being home for Mother’s Day was very important. When I saw that Peter Noone would be in Van Wert on May 13th, I told my sisters that we needed to go. I adjusted the dates of my trip so we could go to that concert.”

“Having four generations attend this concert was awesome! To sing, laugh and have a great time with family . . . is the best! Also, it shows what a great entertainer Peter Noone is – that all four generations can attend his concert and have a fabulous time. Sitting next to my Mom and watching her smile, hearing her sing along, clap along and spell out H – E – N – R – Y — priceless!”

The four generations: Jean Dray (Mom – 93 years old), Nancy Gerding (daughter), Laura Summers (granddaughter) and Lilly Summers (great-granddaughter – 7 years old). Nancy also had another one of her daughters there, Jennifer – and Jennifer’s daughter, Katie (11 years old). Does that count as two sets of four generations?

“This was our first time at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. What a tremendous facility for the community of Van Wert! The entire experience was the best – getting there, parking, the friendly volunteers helping out, etc. I don’t know what could have made it any better.”

“I would like to make a comment about Peter Noone. He has such a talent for making people feel good, laugh, and have a good time. I just hope he realizes what a gift he has. In talking with Tafi, I mentioned what an appreciation I have for people who really enjoy their job. It is so obvious in what they say and do. Tafi and Mr. Noone are two of those people.”

“A few months ago Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone was performing near me. I got four tickets right away – third row, center stage. My friend and I had an elderly couple go with us. These people would not have gone on their own. They are STILL talking about what a great time they had.”

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity. All the best to you and the people of Van Wert.” – Larry Dray, Niswonger Patron

Of course, Larry met me and not our entire staff. If having the opportunity to meet the entire Van Wert Live team, he would see the passion to fulfill the mission to provide entertainment experiences that are so good they demand a return shines through each of them. We are honored and humbled to provide the foundation for rich memories like these to be made in Van Wert. With hearts filled with gratitude for a very successful first half of 2022, we look to Fountain Park for Feel Good Fridays and hope to celebrate music in downtown Van Wert with you!

Dirty Deeds…

The Niswonger Spring roster of shows completed with a blockbuster May including Blue Man Group and Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone.

Over 2000 people made Van Wert their destination for a good time. In a recent survey of Van Wert Live concertgoers, 100 percent of respondents told us they would return to Van Wert for entertainment. Of those responding, 98 percent said the show enhanced their mood for the better.

The mission of the Van Wert Live team is to provide entertainment experiences that are so good they demand a return. We are hearing good things that we are delivering on that purpose. That fact doesn’t bring us rest as much as it spurs the Board and Staff onward to create opportunities to engage an audience that we are yet to see. As it pertains to being entertained, we have a “no one left behind” philosophy. And that is the perfect transition for a shout-out for Feel Good Fridays in Fountain Park.

We set our sights on Downtown Van Wert where we take the music to the streets for Peony Festival weekend. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, Dirty Deeds Xtreme AC/DC Tribute will light up the night with two high-energy shows, complete with exciting stage props and non-stop action. The first show is a dedication to the Bon Scott era and the second show is a tribute to the Brian Johnson era. This dual “look-alike show” is the only AC/DC tribute that actually changes costumes and transforms from Bon Scott to Brian Johnson.

As they rifle through one iconic AC/DC hit after another, the crowd is sure to be on their feet, moving to the beat and singing along with every song! Dirty Deeds has spot-on perfection of Bon’s voice, and international guitar virtuoso “Freddy DeMarco” as Angus Young’s character, played with the accuracy of the album versions while showing all the crazy energy of a “young” Angus.

What would a tribute to the early years of AC/DC be without bagpipes? Yes, that’s right, singer and Bon Scott impersonator John Welch will play the pipes to accurately reproduce the famous song “It’s A Long Way To The Top If you Want To Rock and Roll.” This fun-filled first set is loaded with all the details to recreate an authentic AC/DC experience.

But wait, it’s not over yet – there’s still another complete show to unleash. Suspense is again created as Hells Bell begins to toll and emerges from the shadows while lowering toward the stage. This marks the beginning of our tribute to the Brian Johnson era of AC/DC that will leave the audience literally spellbound.

The Van Wert Live roster is dynamically growing at vanwertlive.com.

Once Upon a Van Wert

We meet new guests at every concert. This past Sunday, the Blue Man Group offered up yet another opportunity to meet visitors from near and far as they ventured upon Northwest Ohio’s Music City for entertainment. With the Cavalier Steel Drum band playing in the background and a lobby party sponsored by Gary Taylor in full swing, I happened upon a kind couple who had a unique story to tell. They were the VanWerts and their tale, in their own words, goes like this.

Yes, we are the VanWerts. My name is Patrick and my wife is Barb. We reside in Columbus, Ohio. We met Tafi Stober this past Sunday evening just prior to the Blue Man Group performance. She asked if I’d write a little story about Mr. and Mrs. VanWert.

We were married in October 23, 2004, in the Reading room of the Brumback Library. Yes, the VanWerts were married in VanWert. I am originally from Midland, Mi and Barb is a military child who spent most of her life in Colorado Springs, CO. She moved to Columbus in 1999. We met at her parent’s home in Surprise, AZ in 2000 as I happened to be their neighbor. (Yes, I’ve known my in-laws longer than I’ve known my wife). I proposed in 2003 and moved to Columbus the following year.

In May of that year, we joked about getting married in Van Wert but we laughed it off. In June we discussed again where we would get married and did not have a location with sentimental meaning. I called the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce and inquired about places to get married in this beautiful little town. The nice lady said, “Let me make some phone calls and I’ll call you back”. About fifteen minutes later I get a phone call from Don Farmer. He said “Hello Mr. VanWert. I’m Mayor Don Farmer from Van Wert. I heard you and your fiancé are looking for a place to get married here.”

He continued “ I’ve never officiated a wedding and as the Mayor, I am legally able to perform wedding ceremonies. I would be honored if you’d allow me to be the person who will marry the the VanWerts in VanWert.”

It was a done deal. We made two trips to Van Wert over the next couple of months. We met Thad Davis, a VanWert resident, who would cater our little reception. I did a mock proposal on a Friday night at Fountain Park (during the Concert in the Park) in front of about 1,500 people. Mayor Farmer invited the whole city to the big event in October.

On October 23, 2004, Barb’s parents flew in from Arizona. Her best friend flew in from Colorado Springs. Barb’s two sisters and their families drove up from Columbus. My parents and one of my brothers with his family drove down from Michigan. Barb went to Total Reflection Day Spa to get all fancy. I went golfing with Mayor Farmer and his sons. We were supposed to get married at 5 p.m. in Fountain Park. Mother Nature had other plans for us so Mayor Farmer called the library and asked if we could use the reading room for an hour. They obliged graciously. We had an intimate little ceremony with family and three local couples. Our private reception was in the banquet room of the old Holiday Inn on Washington St. And the rest is history. We love VanWert. We love your city. We love your people. Van Wert is our little home away from home. Thank you for sharing your beautiful little city with us. We are humbled. – Pat and Barb VanWert

So if you ever wonder if this hospitable city of 10,531 ever makes impact, here is proof. We were honored to entertain our new friends and look forward to welcoming them once again to the city that bears their name. To provide a place to create entertaining memories is the name of our game.

Van Wert Live members shine!

Over the years we’ve shared vivid memories, great laughter, and moments of wow and wonder sitting amongst family and friends in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the Grandstand and Fountain Park. Live entertainment in Van Wert is a valued part of your life and we thank you. The product that we deliver is live entertainment in various forms. But the “why” behind the Van Wert Live staff is the people.

We each have different reasons for enjoying live entertainment. Jane attends a concert to find an uplifting escape, while Tom is technically trained to appreciate the artistry. Sally sings every word and Johnny doesn’t know a single one. Ruth remains still in her seat absorbing every note while Rhonda is doing the shimmy-jimmy to the beat. What I have learned in my decade of observing concertgoers is the response is not always a measure of enjoyment. The really cool fact is we each have the freedom for self-expression (disclaimer: So long as it is appropriate:). We love our trained music enthusiasts and we also love those who simply like to hear a good song. Entertainment in Van Wert is for everyone!

Just like the diversity of purposes for attending a show, Van Wert Live members also have a variety of reasons for investing in our vision and we have the perks to satisfy the purpose. Family members support the operation financially and believe in making Van Wert an entertainment destination. They are rewarded with perks that include a personalized parking space, guaranteed seating, artist meet and greets (when possible), pre-sale purchasing power, special events, and more. Family membership options include VWLIVE VIP ($4000), VWLIVE Member Plus ($2000), and VWLIVE Family Member ($100). Family memberships are for anyone and provide 365 days of perks and purchasing power. Renewal messages from the Van Wert Live staff are shared when the time to renew nears. The box office provides personalized service to family members and can be reached at 419.238.6722 with any questions.

VWLive Corporate memberships include special perks of guaranteed seating and pre-sale buying for staff and packages also include tickets. These special orchestra center tickets are used as employee and customer incentives. Our corporate members appreciate the mission to provide entertainment experiences that are so good they demand a return. It is our honor to serve our corporate members as we are partners in sustaining a thriving local economy and quality of life. Quincy Thompson is the Van Wert Live Member liaison and is always available to discuss a corporate membership tailored to the unique needs of the business.

Our esteemed members join us in delivering the power of live entertainment. Our membership list has rapidly grown and we are elated for those from near and far for plugging into the vibe that drives live!

Carving out time…

“I wish I had gotten tickets,” shared Mr. Shoulda Gone.

We hear it every day about the one that got away. Live entertainment is in the now. It’s raw and unexpected. Often unscripted and open to interpretation by the audience. Van Wert Live programs and presents the highest quality in entertainment on the Niswonger stage. 

Last Friday, Jimmy Fortune, along with other storied multi-award-winning performers from Gospel and Bluegrass played to an eager house of fans. Our Niswonger fans loved them and Jimmy Fortune and the rest of Fortune/Walker/Rogers/Isaacs loved them right back by gifting an additional 30 minutes of music as the set list grew with each thunderous applause.

The group then stayed on an additional hour to sign autographs and mingle with their fans in the Grand Lobby. As is typically the case, social media was instantly abuzz with posts sharing the experience. A resounding number of responses to these exciting posts were “I wish I had gotten tickets.”

It’s totally understandable. Life gets hectic and the budget gets pinched. Annual sponsors, Central Insurance, Statewide Ford-Lincoln, and First Federal of Van Wert, understand the reality of ticket prices and generously support to drive ticket prices lower for our customers. It makes a difference, especially in these days. We appreciate their value of the live performing arts as it relates to quality of life in the region.

The time element is an elusive game. We all have the same amount of minutes in a day but it’s how we choose to invest them that differs. One thing is certain, the return on time invested in a concert experience will engage the senses and uplift the soul. So we encourage you to take time today before the next concert gets away to get your tickets to a musical adventure that is so good you will want to return.

Grammy-Award winner Michael Bolton will perform at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday, April 24. Tickets remain for this bucket-list performance. Thanks to presenting sponsor Gary Taylor, you can save 25 percent off all Michael Bolton tickets by purchasing two or more at vanwertlive.com or by calling the box office from 10 AM – 3 PM. The discount ends on Friday. Special thanks to Gary Taylor for making this possible. He simply doesn’t want anyone to miss this unique opportunity to experience “Live” the treasure-trove of hits by this iconic artist, right here in Northwest Ohio.

Only two more Niswonger performances remain before we make our way to Feel Good Fridays in Fountain Park for a summer line-up that will keep you dancing into the night in downtown Van Wert. Blue Man Group On Tour is just a few tickets away from selling out on May 8. 

Herman’s Hermits featuring Peter Noone, known for making women swoon, is selling fast for a May 13 performance, considering the wildly dedicated “Noonatic” Fan Group.

Avoid being the one who let a concert getaway. Live music keeps you feeling “A-Ok.” Be part of the audience bliss. It’s all too good to miss.