Fountain Park finale a spectacular show

Although the Fountain Park Summer Music Series does not have a concert in the park this Friday night, I believe we will more than make up for it on August 7 when Your Generation in Concert: Fifty Amp Fuse takes the stage.  This nine-piece band is an international favorite for celebrities, festivals, corporate events, casinos and private events.  Located in the Detroit metro area, this band covers six decades of the pop/rock era of American and British music.  They are in high demand and we are very fortunate to be able to bring them to Van Wert to close out our summer series. I think you are going to really love their concert. It will be a fun conclusion to a rainy summer!

Although this concert with Fifty Amp Fuse is the last concert in our series, I want you to not forget about the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band, who will be in concert in Fountain Park the following week on August 14.  They are delighting audiences with their enjoyable brand of traditional and contemporary band music. Food will also be provided for those who wish to enjoy their meal in the park.

You might have also noticed the Elvis Tribute who will be in concert in Fountain Park on Saturday, August 15. I understand it is a tremendous show. Tickets are available through Visionary Promotions and the proceeds of the concert will benefit the Children’s Garden in Smiley Park.

I will mention one more concert, which will be held at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 8.  The Dudelang Symphonic Band from Luxembourg is touring the United States and we were fortunate enough to be able to host them for a free concert.  It has been set up in cooperation with Ohio Northern University.  The concert will be at 7 p.m. and there is free admission. Come to the Niswonger and enjoy a free band concert with our friends from Luxembourg!  Music bridges the gap of many miles.

Tickets for the upcoming Niswonger season are flying out the door each day. Many of the shows and concerts are filling up quickly.  Interestingly, The Texas Tenors, part of our Community Concert Series, are leading all concerts in sales. Over 500 people have bought the entire Community Concert Series, making The Texas Tenors a real bargain!  We have added another 400 through Select Series buyers. Also in that series is Ethan Bortnick, whom you might have also seen on PBS this summer.  As are The Texas Tenors, Ethan Bortnick is quite a show. Both will be outstanding productions.

Speaking of the Niswonger business, I want you to know about a project the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation is launching very soon. The foundation is raffling off a beautiful cream colored/red interior 2002 Ford Thunderbird with very low mileage. Tickets are $100 each and just 500 will be sold. The proceeds will help us build a permanent cover over the loading dock, providing a much safer environment for our many volunteers who help load in and out the Niswonger shows, many times in the winter weather. Stage lighting and video projection will be enhanced with any remaining proceeds.

So, you are helping a good cause and someone will drive away with a beautiful Thunderbird. You will see it parked outside the main entrance of the Niswonger before upcoming shows. Good cause, good chance, beautiful car.

There will be more to share with you next week as we draw closer to our Fountain Park finale. Until then, keep a song in your heart!

FINÉ.