Things are starting to heat up in VW!

All you have to do is walk outside and you know things are heating up.  I just stepped outside my office and the thermometer downtown said 94.  But even as the days heat up, the evenings have cooled quite nicely.

So it is with our concerts in Van Wert.  As our concerts in Fountain Park come to a cool end this Friday night, things are starting to really heat up with our “Season of Wow!” at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

This Friday, believe it or not, we hold the final concert of Van Wert County Foundation sponsored concerts in Fountain Park. We have kept our biggest concert of the summer for the final one. “The McCartney Years” is a great production and concert of the memorable music of Paul McCartney with the music he made famous with Wings, as well as the classic mega-hits with The Beatles.

There are many Beatles tribute bands, but this one has a unique twist to it.  Led by Canadian musician Yuri Pool, this group has been hailed by Sid Bernstein, the guy who brought The Beatles to North America, as “the best on the scene today!” I’ve actually heard these guys and, as I’ve said before, I didn’t want them to stop playing. I knew every song and they sounded so much like the music of Paul McCartney! Yuri and his band is one you are sure to enjoy.

Plan on coming early and staying late as we sing into the night the songs many of us grew up to and many others you still hear today, regardless of age.

The Red Cross of Van Wert will be serving up food and a special opportunity will be given to donate to a group of civic volunteers interested in making Fountain Park a holiday spectacular this Christmas season by adding decorations to the park.  Bring your spare change and bills so we can make Van Wert an even better place to live and visit.

If we should be so fortunate to do a rain dance and bring in showers that last all day on Friday, the concert will definitely be moved into the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.  A passing shower would not necessitate a move. An all-day or evening rain event could change our plans. I hope we get to celebrate the end to a summer of fun in Fountain Park, but either way, we win!

Actually, the music in Fountain Park will continue as the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will perform a bonus concert on August 19.  So don’t forget this concert too!  These talented volunteer musicians work hard to put on an entertaining concert of all kinds of band music.  You’ll enjoy them too.

Plans are heating up for the new season at the Niswonger. My staff, board, and our loyal army of volunteers are gearing up for a huge 10th season. Twenty-six concerts, shows, and outstanding speaker events will kick off this September.  We are cleaning, decorating, and making plans for our best season ever!  It will culminate with our gala on April 1 with award-winning singer-actress Bernadette Peters and THE Boston Pops Orchestra.

Check out the season at NPACVW.ORG or pick up a catalog and select your tickets now.  Several concerts and shows are starting to fill up.  It will be an exciting 10th “Season of Wow!” and we don’t want you to miss it.

FINÉ.