Here’s what’s new for 2015

Here’s what’s new in performing arts for Van Wert this year.  I’ve been teasing you for a few weeks about some changes and additions to the performing arts scene as we enter 2015.  Now, we are ready to announce some exciting new opportunities for everyone to enjoy, in addition to the already scheduled events at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

The first announcement is that the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors will be making their very first appearance in Van Wert at the Niswonger on Tuesday, March 3. The Jazz Ambassadors are part of the U.S. Army Field Band out of Washington, D.C.  We have been honored to have the Concert Band and Army Chorus, and now we have the privilege of hosting “America’s Big Band”- the Jazz Ambassadors. This 19-piece big band is the official touring big band of the United States Army.  Formed in 1969, this musical ensemble has traveled from Boston to Baghdad and Tampa to Tokyo, performing America’s greatest original art form, jazz.

As with other military band concerts we have hosted, you will experience the very finest musicians the U.S. Army has to offer, many with advanced music degrees. The programming is always outstanding!  Some of the most memorable concerts I have experienced at the Niswonger have come from the military, whether it’s the Army, Navy or Air Force.

in listening to recordings of the Jazz Ambassadors, I know you will enjoy music from some of the greatest big band leaders of our time such as Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Gene Krupa, and others. I also know you will be stirred by the powerful vocals in some wonderful patriotic arrangements such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God Bless America”.

Each Memorial Day and Fourth of July, I watch the celebrations on TV and see some of the friends we have made at the Niswonger who have performed on our stage.  This concert will feature some of these same outstanding musicians you may see on TV.

This concert, as with all other military concerts, is free of charge, but a ticket must be obtained. We are fortunate to team with Times Bulletin Media on Fox Road in Van Wert in sponsorship of this concert. Free tickets may be picked up at the Times Bulletin office or the Niswonger box office.

Another concert announcement came with the addition of singer, television, and movie star Pat Boone who will be replacing Love Letters on March 8 at 3 p.m.  Love Letters, starring Barbara Eden and Hal Linden, had to be replaced due to a schedule conflict with Linden. “Music & Memories” with Pat Boone will replace Love Letters.  Your same ticket will work for this replacement concert.  We are extremely pleased to be able to fill the date with such an outstanding performer as Pat Boone.  Pat heard wonderful things about the Niswonger from his daughter, Debby, when she performed here two years ago and he is excited to share his walk down memory lane with all of you.

Another event was announced that the Niswonger will host Pam Tebow, mother of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, as Hands of Hope Pregnancy Services is presenting her through this Paulding County organization. Tickets for this March 18 program are available through the Niswonger box office and on-line at www.npacvw.org.  Pam and her son, Tim made headline news during a pro-life commercial that ran during the Super Bowl two years ago.  Pam travels the country speaking in favor of life over abortion and has a powerful message many enjoy hearing.

This Sunday, we get back in the swing of things as we welcome National Geographic’s most sought after photographer of our time, Paul Nicklen.  His program, entitled “Polar Obsessions”, is an amazing pictorial, video and story-telling presentation of his excursions to the Polar Regions, where he has risked his life taking vivid pictures of wildlife we never get to see.  I am sure it will be an amazing afternoon of entertainment and experiences.  It starts at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door and begin at just $15.

I would love to tell you about my trip to New York City last week as I attended the Performing Arts International Conference, but that will have to wait for a less busy time. As I promised, the first opportunity I had to walk up to a NYC cop in Times Square, I thanked him for his service.  As I walked away, he held his hand out to shake mine and thank me. It was obvious that he appreciated the gesture. Not as much as I appreciated his service, though!

FINÉ.