And now: A word about our sponsors

As I was standing in the Grand Lobby and Lecture Hall today, talking to all those who came to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center to purchase their Select Series tickets, it dawned on me how many people it takes to make a successful season.  I reminisce back to when we first got started in 2007.  Many people, corporations, businesses and organizations had just given a total amount of nearly $10 million to a project that had no guarantee of success.  And now today, we have people from all over the region waiting to select seats for shows and concerts we think will attract interest.

Although a fair amount of research showed there appeared to be an interest in a performance venue that could attract outstanding national and international performers, there was no guarantee. Others and I deduced it would take a strong local support, but also regional as well as corporate and business support.  Now in our seventh complete season, we have grown our offerings and obtained support from so many, I am still amazed!

Our season sponsors this year are Statewide Ford and Lincoln and Van Wert Federal Savings Bank.  A total of more than 50 sponsors from Lima to Ft. Wayne and Decatur to Celina and parts between, have joined a strong Van Wert contingency to help bring this season to you.  In addition, a growing number of members, both corporate and individuals are joining the many who have purchased Grand Series and Select Series tickets.

Tuesday, July 8, began our selling of Select Series tickets.  This is where you get to select your own concerts, creating your own personal series.  We have been selling on-line as well as to those wishing to make their purchases in person at the Niswonger Box Office.  Some concerts have actually sold out by those purchasing Select Series.  All you need to do is look through your season catalog (which should arrive this week, if not already!) or on-line at www.npacvw.org and select at least three concerts.  This allows you to reserve your seats now and gives better choice of seats.

On behalf of the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation, the staff and its many volunteers, I thank all of you for your support in making the Niswonger Performing Arts Center the premier performance venue of northwest Ohio!

One change that just came through this week is the concert with the Newsboys.  Due to a clerical error in the contract, the correct date for the Newsboys concert is Saturday, March 14, rather than the printed March 21. Remember also that any remaining tickets may be purchased approximately 90 days before the event.  All this information may be found in our brand new season catalog that should arrive in your mail this week.  If you would like more copies to share with a friend, stop by the Niswonger Box Office or The Van Wert County Foundation office if you are downtown.

This Friday night in Fountain Park has been declared Motown Friday!  The Motown Sounds of Touch, fresh off their NBC-TV debut, will be singing and dancing their “soulful smooth” sounds into your hearts.  You will enjoy familiar songs from some of Motown’s all-time greatest recording stars such as The Commodores, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, The Spinners, Dianna Ross & the Supremes, and so many more.  You might even hear some music from The Temptations, as a bit of a warm-up to the actual Temptations who will perform in the Niswonger on April 25 of next year.

The outstanding young men of DeMolay will be trying to impress you with their delicious menu of fine food, beginning at 5:30 p.m., while the concert begins at 7 that evening.  Once again, we hope for beautiful weather for a wonderful concert under the starry skies of Fountain Park.

Thank you all for your support in making Van Wert a destination for outstanding entertainment!

FINÉ.