Laugh and learn with music

This weekend is packed with two events I hope you can include in your schedule.  First of all, this Saturday, stand-up comedian and star of several movies and TV shows, Sinbad will be at the Niswonger.  With all the snow and cold weather we’ve been experiencing lately, some good laughs might be just what the doctor ordered.

There are few people, let alone comedians, who are widely known and recognized by just their first name.  With Sinbad, the name and the face say it all.  If you are someone who doesn’t recognize Sinbad, I encourage you to Google him (my daughter would be happy) and check him out.  Listen to a little of his comedy sketch and I think you will agree, everyone at the Niswonger this Saturday night is in for a good time!

A few seats remain for his show, although we are nearing capacity.  Call the box office (419.238.6722) or go online (www.npacvw.org) to reserve a seat before it’s too late!

And while you’re at it, don’t forget about the Broadway smash hit Anything Goes that comes sailing into Van Wert on Sunday, February 15, for an afternoon of great fun, music and dancing.  Of course, if you are going to Columbus or even the UK, you could catch the show there this month.  But, if it’s easier to see it in Van Wert, then I hope to see you on February 15 at 3 p.m.  Just one show at the Niswonger and tickets are going quickly for this one too!

This Sunday afternoon, February 8, features the Van Wert County Young Artist Recital at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert.  It starts at 3 p.m. and presents the very talented young musicians from Crestview, Lincolnview and Van Wert High Schools. This is the 12th annual Van Wert County Young Artist Recital, sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation.

There will be 19 solos and ensembles on the recital this year.  They have all performed at the Ohio Music Educator’s Solo & Ensemble Contest held three weeks ago at St. Marys Memorial High School.  Based on their outstanding performances, they have been recommended to be on this prestigious recital.  Past performers have gone on to professional music careers in performance and teaching. ,

The Young Artist Recital is free and open to the public.  One of the primary purposes of this event is to allow the public and other students enjoy performances that have been worked on for months, in some cases.  Our recital gives the students another opportunity to perform for parents, grandparents, fellow students from different schools and the general public.  I hope you can make it to First Church’s sanctuary for this free performance and encourage our youth who are doing good things with their lives through music.  It is a great learning experience for these young adults.

Laugh and learn this Saturday and Sunday with comedy and music, right here in Van Wert!

FINÉ.