Wrapping up another NPAC season

It’s hard to believe we are wrapping up another Niswonger season this Saturday night.  The legendary Temptations will be in town this Saturday to light up The Van Wert County Foundation Saltzgaber Music Hall to a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,200 people.  This concert took off like a firecracker from day one of sales back last summer.  We have been out of tickets for over three months.  I’m not sure I remember a concert that drew so much attention so far in advance.

As we wrap up the season, it’s interesting to look back at what has occurred since October 4.  There have been 29 professional performances on our stage as well as numerous school concerts, musical programs, and rental functions.  Next month, we will add a couple dance recitals to round out the season.

Out of the 30 performances, 10 have sold out and over 26,000 people have witnessed our concerts this season.  Some have been the same people, but over 1,500 were first time attenders this season.  We now have a mailing list of nearly 17,000 concert enthusiasts who have come from as far away as Canada and the state of Delaware. We regularly see people from Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, and the Cleveland area.

Each year, we think it will be difficult to outdo the previous season.  This year was one that had its skeptics, but we fail to give credit to some concerts that may initially fly “under the radar.”  For instance, so many thoroughly enjoyed relatively unknown performers like the Annie Moses Band, Dallas Brass, Peter White, The Inspiration of Broadway with little known, Mark McVey, Home Free, and the Broadway show- Memphis.  I so enjoy introducing people to new performers; at least new to them!  This is where our mission of education is partially fulfilled.

We also fulfill our education and inspiration portions of our mission by involving youth with our performances.  Who can forget all the high school musicians on stage with Dallas Brass back in November?  Or the little dancers and singers who took part in the Nutcracker with the Ballet Theatre of Toledo?  Or the darling young kids who performed on stage with Kenny Rogers at Christmas?  It was magical!  Inspiration at its finest.  Some Lincolnview High School singers got the opportunity to sing for Home Free, a group that created more excitement with our audience than I have ever seen before.  Some local pianists received world-class instruction from concert pianist, Leon Bates.  The previous year, the Crestview High School Choir had the thrill of backing up Christian artists, Point of Grace.  Last week, the Van Wert High School Select Choir entertained our lobby audience before the StepCrew concert.

We are constantly looking for opportunities to involve local talent from our schools with the professional performers who come to the Niswonger.  As we plan our next season, we will once again be looking for ways to involve local people and hopefully inspire some young people to “reach for the stars.”

We can only accomplish these goals because of the support of you, our patrons and supporters.  The dream was thought of, then created, and now you continue to perpetuate it.  Thank you for your support of another exciting season at the Niswonger.  The way it looks, next season is shaping up to be perhaps even better!

The Community Concert Series has been announced and is now selling to members.  You can become a member right now and get an advanced seat selection.  On April 29, the box office opens to anyone wishing to purchase the series.  Then, get ready: we are only a month away (hopefully) from announcing the entire season — our Grand Series. Hold onto your hats!

And speaking of reaching for the stars, we want to wish the Van Wert High School Band and Lincolnview High School Choir good luck as they perform at state competition this weekend!

FINÉ.