Different strokes for different folks

It dawned on me once again this past weekend of how different folks appreciate different music.  Friday night featured Your Generation in Concert’s Fifty Amp Fuse in Fountain Park.  Although they played music from such groups as The Monkees of the 1960s, much of the music was current.  I received messages from audience members who thanked me for bringing music to Fountain Park for the young kids today. Whatever your taste in music is, it was certainly full of life and many people seemed to enjoy it.

The next night in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, the Dudelange Wind Orchestra from Luxembourg gave a concert. Their music ranged from Gershwin to movie theme songs to dance music. Much of this music was enjoyed by a more seasoned audience. It was played skillfully and with energy, yet I doubt too many from Friday night would have enjoyed Saturday night’s concert with the wind orchestra.

This is the main reason I look for variety in musical concerts I bring to Fountain Park and the Niswonger.  There are some people who are willing to try different types of music, but there are also some who make up their mind before they even attend.  I guess that’s just the way life is.

Even though this summer had its weather issues, we were able to enjoy a wonderful variety of concerts intended to be in Fountain Park. We had classic rock, country/city, orchestral pop, Blues and jazz.  We will return next summer to Fountain Park with another slate of various concerts I hope many will enjoy.

This Friday night, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will present a concert in Fountain Park.  Food will be served and I’m sure an entertaining program of band music has been put together. I understand Scott Turner, a music student at The Ohio State University, will even play some piano music during the concert.  Now that ought to be something different.

Then on Sunday, August 16, Jake Wilder, an outstanding tenor vocalist, will surround himself with a host of talented friends to perform a concert at First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert. It begins at 3 p.m. Some of the folks walking by 1408 Monte Carlo Drive have already had a taste of what we are in store for. Jake has been cracking high Bs from our living room — quite powerful!

Starting in September, the Niswonger will offer 26 different attractions for you to enjoy throughout the year. I hope we hit on some of your favorites. We have offered a cornucopia of entertainment which includes three different Broadway shows, country and TV stars, pop stars, Contemporary Christian artists, kid shows, Doo Wop and Motown, classic rock, family entertainment, classical, jazz, informational speakers, and even a ukulele band. Now, if something here doesn’t flip your trigger, I have to seriously doubt your gun has any bullets.

Our goal at the Niswonger is to offer something for everyone.  Our audience has grown so much that we seem to have a crowd of aficionados for nearly every genre of music and entertainment.  Some will enjoy nearly everything while others we will only see occasionally. That’s fine. We enjoy seeing you whenever you come.

Remember that any concert or event can be purchased right now when you bundle at least three or more together in a purchase. Many seats are getting taken by those doing just that; creating their own Select Series. We are waiting to serve you; whatever your taste in music may be!

FINÉ.