Dallas Brass to help us celebrate!

It was September 22, 2007. We were preparing to open our first complete season at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.  To help us open the season, we invited the famed Dallas Brass to Van Wert to give a concert, teach a master class, and share the stage with over 150 high school musicians.

I still remember the night. No one really knew quite what to expect, but hundreds of concert-goers flocked to the Niswonger for an evening of nice music. What ensued was a magical night where students were making statements like, “I have never had so much fun in my life!”  “I never thought I would enjoy this concert that much.” And “This was really cool tonight!”  After the concert, I remember stopping by our local Dairy Queen to find kids there being treated to ice cream by members of the Dallas Brass.

Adults at the concert were standing on their feet applauding not only the kids’ performance, but also the exciting music of Dallas Brass, complete with horns and a drummer who took a solo where most of us have never been before. The night was filled with magic and pageantry. It touched one gentleman so much that we now will be honoring him seven years later.

Dallas Brass is coming back to the Central Insurance Stage of the Niswonger on November 7 to help us honor a special person, as well as create more memories for high school students and concert attendees.  Don’t miss this special evening.  Get your tickets now.  If you want a little sneak preview of some of the music of Dallas Brass, go to our brand new website: NPACVW.ORG and click on the picture of Dallas Brass and play their video.

Many people have asked what kind of concert to expect. The best answer I can give is “enjoyable!” This time around, Dallas Brass has added a superb vocalist, Bryan Anthony.  Bryan is one of the most sought-after jazz singers in our country today. Much in the style of Frank Sinatra, Anthony has sung with all the Big Bands like Glenn Miller and, most recently, is on tour with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He also sings nightclubs and has recorded with Grammy Award-winning jazz artists. Add to Anthony’s vocals the superb artistry of Dallas Brass and a drummer and you have an exceptional evening of musical entertainment.

One of Dallas Brass’ biggest motivators is music education and inspiring young musicians to enjoy music. They will be working with high school musicians from Lincolnview, Van Wert and Parkway during the day in a workshop. They have also provided music to these musicians for their bands to join them in a huge patriotic salute on stage with over a hundred musicians.  It will once again be magical. Michael Levine, founder and trombonist with Dallas Brass, guarantees it!  He and his fellow musicians of Dallas Brass so much believe in what they do that he personally has called and talked with the local band directors to get them excited about the performance.

Michael and Dallas Brass are true ambassadors for music in people’s lives. He knows about our special people we wish to recognize and so much appreciates the influence their 2007 concert had on their lives. They want to personally help us recognize someone who will help perpetuate live music in the lives of people for years to come in Van Wert and the surrounding area.

I could go on and on about this special evening, but I don’t want to give away too much.  I will just encourage you to be there on Friday night, November 7, at 7:30 p.m.  There will be electricity in the air, although the music you hear will be acoustic. Tickets are available on line at NPACVW.ORG or at the Niswonger box office Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m.  I look forward to seeing you there!

FINÉ.