The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Fountain Park returns to (musical) action

The Doo-Wah Riders from Southern California are returning to Fountain Park in Van Wert this Friday night.  The first time they were here was in 2012. I heard them again last year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when they were showcasing at the Arts Midwest Conference. It was there that I was reminded why I liked these guys so much. They not only are talented and entertaining, but they are real game performers and gentlemanly cowboys.

During their showcase in Milwaukee last September, the power went out on the sound system. They were left with no amplification and a crowd of people waiting to hear them. They had 20 minutes to play for those waiting to hear their music.

A decision had to be made quickly on their part. I am sure some performers would have stomped off the stage with rage and disappointment. Not the Doo-Wah Riders, though! They brought their guitar, bass, drums, accordion, and fiddle down to the audience and said, “Let’s make the best of this. We hope you enjoy!” And away they went making music the best they could, making lemonade out of lemons. The audience loved them, not only for their music, but for their gamesmanship.

The Doo-Wah Riders gained even more respect in my eyes. I knew they were respectful and talented musicians, but they just grew in stature because of how they handled a very difficult situation.

They have been defined as “high-energy country with a Cajun twist.” Founder and band leader Kenny Lee Benson plays mostly accordion, but also doubles on keyboards when needed. The accordion lends the Cajun twist into the country music. You will hear many cover songs you will recognize, along with some really cool original tunes they have written.

The Doo-Wah Riders have actually been making music for over 35 years and have performed with a list of country music stars from Garth Brooks to Loretta Lynn and just about anyone else you can imagine. They appeared in the movie Basic Instinct, starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, where they were featured doing one of their songs, “Glowing in the Ashes.” In addition to their seven albums, they have also recorded with Byron Berline on his Grammy-nominated CD, Fiddle and a Song.

We will have seven Friday nights in a row with concerts in Fountain Park before taking a week off and finishing on August 11. Check out the Van Wert County Foundation, the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation, or the Niswonger Performing Arts Center websites for more information. We also have fliers at each of these locations and throughout the city at various locations.

Kingsley United Methodist Church will be serving food in the park this Friday night. Plan on supporting their efforts beginning at 5:30 p.m. and be ready for The Doo-Wah Riders to take the stage at 7 p.m.

Today (Wednesday, June 14) is a big day at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. We will be announcing our complete 2017-18 season at noon in the First Federal Lecture Hall at the Niswonger. News releases will be sent out and the media will be covering our unveiling, so you can find out quickly. We will also be mailing season catalogs to all on our mailing list. We invite you to join us at noon in the Lecture Hall for all the exciting information. It’s a very special day each year when we release our season.

I am sure you will find some outstanding concerts, shows and events this season.  Each year just seems to get better and better. I think we have outdone ourselves once more.  I wish I could tell you now, but you will find out very soon. We will also announce when you can start getting tickets for your favorite events … or all of them! It’s like a buffet line of tasty delights.

Until then and until Friday night, I look forward to seeing you soon.

POSTED: 06/13/17 at 8:15 pm. FILED UNDER: News