New Community Concert season excellent

This past Sunday, we announced the 2016-17 Community Concert Series with the herald voices of the Texas Tenors. What a concert and, I know, we need to have them back! They really were exceptional talents, showmen, and gentlemen. We are so fortunate to be able to produce them on our stage in a very professional way, so as to add even more excitement to their already superior show.

It was amazing to feel the excitement of anticipation in the lobby even before the show began. You knew something special was about to happen. Then the show began … and it did! At intermission, I don’t know if I have ever felt the “buzz” of excitement as much as I did with the Texas Tenors. It really was “electric!”

And what a great way to announce our new Community Concert Series for next season. We are proud to be partnering with a new series Presenting Sponsor: Okuley/Unverferth Dentistry, to bring you what I think will be yet another outstanding series of concerts.

We kick it off with Guy & Ralna of “The Lawrence Welk Show” fame on Sunday, September 18. Ralna lives in the Phoenix area and two of my box office staff and I were fortunate to have a cup of coffee with her this past November while attending a conference in Phoenix.  We already have people from all over the country making lodging and dinner reservations in anticipation of this concert.

Then we follow up Sunday, October 23, with one of my all-time heroes of the music world — the incomparable Doc Severinsen, with his Big Band and vocalist Vanessa Thomas. In my opinion, no one has played trumpet and been such a showman as Doc! Many of us remember him from “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” as he led the band for over three decades on TV. This is a chance to see and hear a true legend and the only remaining member of the trio that also included Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. And I am here to tell you that Doc can still blow that horn! Amazing!

We take a winter break then before coming back on Saturday, March 18, 2017, with a show we helped produce, along with Robert Nance of the Heartland Singers of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Broadway singer J. Mark McVey of Les Miserables fame. You will enjoy beautiful Broadway and American songs that will have you whistling all the way home. Mark and Bob are also outstanding individuals who are very active in their church music ministries.

If you need to laugh, you won’t want to miss Mutts Gone Nuts and the Robert Post Comedy Theater. Everyone loves animals, and, with this show, you will see them doing some incredible acts that will have you rolling in the aisles. Then to spice things up and give the dogs a needed breather (and possible break — ahem), we have added Robert Post, a comedic favorite of Community Concerts for years. This is a guaranteed combo show that will make you laugh all day long on Sunday, April 30. There’s a story about how I got the two of these together to perform at our venue. Ask me the next time you see me.

We finish the series with a group I heard in New York and I just didn’t want them to stop singing. The Hitmen is a band filled with all stars from such noted bands as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Carole King, Tommy James, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Vanessa Williams, and many more. Many of the songs you will hear featured the voices of members of The Hitmen. If you grew up listening to music on the radio in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond, you will enjoy this concert as much as I did.

So there you have it: my commentary on a new season of Community Concerts. Becoming a member allows you to reserve your seats first and helps us to keep the quality of performers at the level you have come to enjoy and demand at the Niswonger. Check our website (NPACVW.ORG) or call the box office (419.238.6722) or drop by in person. Our staff and volunteers are always happy to see you!

Until next time!

FINÉ.