I entitled this column \u201cConcert in the Park Potpourri\u201d because there is just so much on my mind as we make our way to the big Fountain Park Finale and look ahead to what\u2019s coming.\u00a0 Firstly, I need to talk about the concert this Friday night in Fountain Park.\u00a0 Gary Jenkins and Thundering Hearts are coming this Friday.\u00a0They are return performers from 2008.\u00a0 I asked them back for a couple reasons.\u00a0 One is that I missed them when they came four years ago and I heard from more people than ever about how great their music was and how entertaining they were.\u00a0 So, when I received an email from Gary last winter, I thought it would be ideal to bring back one of the all-time favorites for our 10th anniversary season.<\/p>\n
From just the name, and if you were not fortunate enough to see them in 2008, you might not know what to expect from Gary Jenkins and Thundering Hearts.\u00a0 They are a high-energy show\/dance band specializing in Contemporary Rock, R&B and Country Music.\u00a0 They developed their style while performing at Nashville\u2019s \u201cOpryland USA\u201d theme park.\u00a0 They are masters at combining music and comedy along with audience participation.\u00a0 Kids especially love them!\u00a0 Still based out of Nashville, they have performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry and are a favorite of large corporations throughout the USA.<\/p>\n
So, let\u2019s pray for good weather on Friday night and I am sure you will once again be asking for Gary Jenkins and Thundering Hearts to return to Fountain Park.\u00a0 Youth For Christ is serving the food menu and would appreciate your support in their ministry to area youth.<\/p>\n
Remember that the following week is off.\u00a0 It\u2019s vacation time for me and you can head to the lake.\u00a0 We then finish the summer with a huge event on Friday, August 12 when Gary Puckett & the Union Gap come to town for a big concert.\u00a0 I have already talked with Gary and he said he is looking forward to coming to Van Wert and looks forward to performing for a big audience.<\/p>\n
Immediately following the concert, thanks in part to Statewide Ford, Lee Kinstle, and Taylor Auto, you won\u2019t want to miss the \u201ccherry\u201d on the evening when we inflate a huge outdoor movie screen and show The Wizard of Oz<\/em> for the entire family to enjoy.\u00a0 I understand it is quite an experience to see this epic movie on the screen outdoors and through our fabulous sound system.\u00a0 So, plan on coming to the concert, take a small break and then settle in under the stars with some popcorn, a cool drink and enjoy one last blast of summer, thanks to these fine car dealerships in Van Wert.<\/p>\n The last part of my potpourri of ideas floating through my head today is the 9\/11 Tribute we are currently working on.\u00a0A production team from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic is currently in town and interviewing several locals with 9\/11 ties and remembrances.\u00a0The interviews will be part of the tribute concert with the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic.<\/p>\n This 7 p.m. concert at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on September 11 will be a community event that I hope people from everywhere can attend.\u00a0 It is shaping up to be quite a program!<\/p>\n