It\u2019s hard to believe we are wrapping up another Niswonger season this Saturday night.\u00a0 The legendary Temptations will be in town this Saturday to light up The Van Wert County Foundation Saltzgaber Music Hall to a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,200 people.\u00a0 This concert took off like a firecracker from day one of sales back last summer.\u00a0 We have been out of tickets for over three months. \u00a0I\u2019m not sure I remember a concert that drew so much attention so far in advance.<\/p>\n
As we wrap up the season, it\u2019s interesting to look back at what has occurred since October 4.\u00a0 There have been 29 professional performances on our stage as well as numerous school concerts, musical programs, and rental functions.\u00a0 Next month, we will add a couple dance recitals to round out the season.<\/p>\n
Out of the 30 performances, 10 have sold out and over 26,000 people have witnessed our concerts this season.\u00a0 Some have been the same people, but over 1,500 were first time attenders this season.\u00a0 We now have a mailing list of nearly 17,000 concert enthusiasts who have come from as far away as Canada and the state of Delaware.\u00a0We regularly see people from Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, and the Cleveland area.<\/p>\n
Each year, we think it will be difficult to outdo the previous season.\u00a0 This year was one that had its skeptics, but we fail to give credit to some concerts that may initially fly \u201cunder the radar.\u201d\u00a0 For instance, so many thoroughly enjoyed relatively unknown performers like the Annie Moses Band, Dallas Brass, Peter White, The Inspiration of Broadway with little known, Mark McVey, Home Free, and the Broadway show- Memphis.\u00a0 I so enjoy introducing people to new performers; at least new to them!\u00a0 This is where our mission of education is partially fulfilled.<\/p>\n
We also fulfill our education and inspiration portions of our mission by involving youth with our performances.\u00a0 Who can forget all the high school musicians on stage with Dallas Brass back in November?\u00a0 Or the little dancers and singers who took part in the Nutcracker with the Ballet Theatre of Toledo?\u00a0 Or the darling young kids who performed on stage with Kenny Rogers at Christmas?\u00a0 It was magical!\u00a0 Inspiration at its finest.\u00a0 Some Lincolnview High School singers got the opportunity to sing for Home Free, a group that created more excitement with our audience than I have ever seen before.\u00a0 Some local pianists received world-class instruction from concert pianist, Leon Bates.\u00a0 The previous year, the Crestview High School Choir had the thrill of backing up Christian artists, Point of Grace.\u00a0 Last week, the Van Wert High School Select Choir entertained our lobby audience before the StepCrew concert.<\/p>\n
We are constantly looking for opportunities to involve local talent from our schools with the professional performers who come to the Niswonger.\u00a0 As we plan our next season, we will once again be looking for ways to involve local people and hopefully inspire some young people to \u201creach for the stars.\u201d<\/p>\n
We can only accomplish these goals because of the support of you, our patrons and supporters.\u00a0 The dream was thought of, then created, and now you continue to perpetuate it.\u00a0 Thank you for your support of another exciting season at the Niswonger.\u00a0 The way it looks, next season is shaping up to be perhaps even better!<\/p>\n
The Community Concert Series has been announced and is now selling to members.\u00a0 You can become a member right now and get an advanced seat selection.\u00a0 On April 29, the box office opens to anyone wishing to purchase the series.\u00a0 Then, get ready: we are only a month away (hopefully) from announcing the entire season — our Grand Series.\u00a0Hold onto your hats!<\/p>\n
And speaking of reaching for the stars, we want to wish the Van Wert High School Band and Lincolnview High School Choir good luck as they perform at state competition this weekend!<\/p>\n
FIN\u00c9.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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