Big holiday season coming to Niswonger

Before I get into the Christmas spirit, I don’t want to skip over one of my favorite holidays of the year: Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for all of you who support the performing art endeavors in Van Wert. You have made us an exciting destination place throughout the region for quality music and entertainment. God has blessed us with so much and I am truly thankful!

Now, after all the turkey, trimmings and football (thank goodness, Tony Romo has returned) are put to rest this Thursday, it is time to start thinking of the wonderful Christmas concerts planned at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Christmas has always been a very special time of year at the Niswonger and this year is certainly no exception. Five concerts offer a diverse array of Christmas music for you to enjoy. Add to that the BGSU Choir concert at First United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Friday, December 4, and there is plenty to enjoy!

The Niswonger Christmas season starts with the Contemporary Christian band Mercy Me on Saturday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. Unfortunately, if you don’t already have a ticket, it may be difficult to get in, as we have been sold out for some time. Remember, though, at the last minute there could be a ticket or two become available as performer holds get released.

The next night, Sunday, December 6, we welcome Dave Koz & Friends back to the Niswonger for another 7:30 p.m. concert. This year, Dave brings Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfur, and Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers. This is bound to be a winning combination for anyone wanting to enjoy great Christmas music. These guys are great musicians and certainly exude the spirit of Christmas from the stage.

The following week brings another double header featuring the smash Country Music a cappella group Home Free on Saturday night, December 12, followed by the amazing voice of Contemporary Christian and Gospel music: David Phelps and his wonderful Christmas show. Phelps will be in concert Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. Home Free is sold out and Phelps is right behind them.

We conclude our Christmas season with a down home concert by the DePue Brothers on Thursday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. These four brothers and their band of virtuosic musicians will come to the Niswonger living room and fiddle and sing their way into your hearts before they return home for the holidays in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Of course, many of our local churches will be providing plenty of Christmas music and services throughout the holiday season for everyone to enjoy, too. Check them out and bring Christ into your Christmas this year.

Just a word of warning, the traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service at First United Methodist this year has been moved up one hour to 10 p.m., with meditative candlelight music beginning at 9:30 that night.

I look forward to seeing you at one of these and many other Christmas concerts and services throughout the season.  In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving to all!

FINÉ.