The gift of music throughout the season

With the Niswonger season reaching its halfway point, it’s good to know that there are many attractive and exciting concerts and shows still to come. Now in the thick of great holiday shows like Kenny Rogers, Holiday Ice Spectacular, and Solid Gold Christmas with Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., it’s difficult to think ahead; however, with so many wonderful attractions, you might want to consider a gift card for that someone special to enjoy an upcoming Niswonger event.

Once we turn the page on 2014, we return on January 31 with a group that has caused a lot of excitement all over the country. Home Free, the Country music a capella sensation, has been sweeping the airwaves. Just today, I received an email link from a church musician in Nashville who wanted me to see Home Free’s rendition of “Angels We Have Heard on High.”  This person must have just discovered them. Although winners of NBC’s “The Sing Off,” they just now seem to be gathering national attention. This is all good news for us at the Niswonger.  The bad news for some is that, as I write this, we have four seats remaining for their concert.

Just before the Home Free concert, we have a National Geographic program called “Polar Obsessions” that the whole family will find fun and informative.  Paul Nicklen is the presenter, and one of National Geographic’s most prized photographers, with an unbelievable story to go with extremely rare Arctic pictures.

Then in February, we welcome one of the most funny comedians and actors of our time- Sinbad.  Since booking Sinbad, I have been watching more of him and just recently saw him co-star in the hilarious comedy Jingle all the Way.  My own kids enjoyed him in the movie, Good Burger with Kenan and Kell.  Sinbad is the son of a Baptist preacher and often calls upon real life experiences to make people laugh.

We also bring Broadway back to Van Wert with Cole Porter’s mega-hit Anything Goes.  This is a fun Sunday afternoon of Broadway on February 15 right here in Van Wert.  It also provides a great way to continue your Valentine’s weekend.  If you enjoy tap dancing, you’ll love Anything Goes! The show is selling fast, so don’t wait long on this one.

If swing, jump, jive and wail are your things, don’t miss Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on February 21.  This is another quick selling concert.  Other venues have told me it was one of their most enjoyable concerts of all time!

These are just a few of the upcoming attractions as we enter a new year at the Niswonger.  With a gift card from the Niswonger, your gift recipient is sure to find something they will enjoy and think of you fondly as they attend.  Gift cards can now be purchased online or by calling or dropping by the box office from noon-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.  During Christmas and New Year’s weeks, we will be open only Monday and Tuesday.

About 85 performers are looking forward to sharing their talents through Handel’s Messiah this Sunday night. Sixty chorus members, 20 orchestra members and five soloists will be joining their talents beginning at 7 p.m. this Sunday, December 14, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert to perform the Christmas portion of this treasured work.  The chorus has worked very hard and hopes to perform for a full house.

The Van Wert County Foundation has underwritten much of the cost of this performance and only a free-will offering will be taken. Nothing says Christmas quite like Handel’s Messiah. After all, we wouldn’t have a Christmas (regardless of what some would have you believe) if it weren’t for the Messiah!

FINÉ.