New Community Concert series ready

Before I have the chance to communicate with you again in this column, we will have enjoyed a high-energy Celtic dance and music show with the dynamic StepCrew. This concert is Tuesday, April 14, at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. About four years ago, I had the opportunity to witness one of their first public performances at the Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival.  It was a relatively hot day in the early summer as I recall, but it was about to get even hotter!  Six dancers, backed up by an exciting upbeat Irish band, took the stage and raised the temperature.

This new band and dance troop, who also could fiddle up a storm while dancing, was the latest musical group to come to the U.S. out of Canada.  An agent friend of mine invited my wife, daughter and me to come see them at the famed Dublin Irish Fest. We were so entertained and impressed that I immediately wanted to bring their show to Van Wert. Now, some four years later, we finally get to share this magnificent show with all of you.

As the finale to our 2014-15 Community Concert Series, we are selling what single tickets remain. You can still get in to see this exciting concert by purchasing online at NPACVW.ORG or in advance or at the door next Tuesday at the box office.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., but if you arrive early, you can hear the Van Wert High School Select Choir entertain in the lobbies before the concert. They are scheduled to sing from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m.  This new vocal ensemble is under the direction of Ms. Melissa Bloomfield.

Also, since this is the last concert of the Community Concert Series, we are planning to announce our brand new 2015-16 Community Concert Series.  All I can tell you is that it features five outstanding concerts with tremendous talent, notoriety, and value.  You will want to be in your seat for the video preview at 7:25 p.m., just before the start of the StepCrew concert.  Each year, I think we can’t outdo the previous, but I think our programming committee has done an outstanding job and I can’t wait to share it with you.

For all you parents and grandparents of young children, don’t forget about our show this Sunday afternoon, April 12, at 3 p.m. featuring “The Berenstain Bears Live!”  Most everyone who has been a parent or grandparent is familiar with these beloved children’s books.  They promote such good lessons for children and this live production will bring the books to life in a stage show entitled “Family Matters the musical.”  You can still get tickets for this one if you hurry.  Jeffery-Mohr Dentistry is helping us bring this wonderful show to all children in our area.  Because of their generosity, tickets begin at just $10.

Good things continue to happen in the arts of Van Wert.  This weekend, Van Wert High School Drama Department presents the musical, “Grease.”  There are three shows beginning this Thursday, and continuing on Friday and Saturday.  They all begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are available through the Niswonger box office.  Lots to do, lots to see.  Enjoy!

FINÉ.