Amazing things coming to the Niswonger

What seemed like a rather uneventful winter at the Niswonger has turned into a very exciting time. This season seemed to be front-loaded with a lot of spectacular concerts and events.  Six events sold-out in the first three months and those that didn’t were 80-90 percent filled with ticket buyers.

It just so happened that many of the big shows fell in the first half of the season, although the ones we do have this winter and spring are spectacular. Having a little more time earlier this winter has given us a chance to get a jump start on next season. As a matter of fact, we have the new 2018-19 Enrich Community Concert Series all tied up and will be announcing it this Sunday at Cirque Zuma Zuma. We will have a promo video for you to preview, along with some printed material.

This year’s series included The Five Browns, the Canton Symphony with Gerhardt Zimmermann, Christmas with the Texas Tenors, and Cirque Zuma Zuma. Now, it may be hard to outdo that, but my staff feel this new one may just accomplish it. They are super excited! I hope you will be too. Members: Maestro, Principal, and Musician members will be able to purchase their seats for the new series beginning February 20. The box office will be closed February 19 for President’s Day.

Before we get to Sunday, don’t forget about the added Broadway Show Amazing Grace this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. This inspirational show was just recently added and gives inspiration, education, and entertainment to our already outstanding season. You can get tickets now or at the door this Friday night. The story behind this beloved hymn is truly inspiring and, well, amazing!  The Box Office will open at 6:30 p.m. Friday before the show.

A few other amazing things are coming soon to the Niswonger that I think you would enjoy. On Thursday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m., the Miami University Wind Ensemble, conducted by Professor Gary Speck, will be giving a free concert in the VWCF Saltzgaber Music Hall of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. They are on their way to perform at the prestigious College Band Director’s National Association Conference held this year at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Robert Sloan, director of bands at Van Wert High School, set up this free performance for the public to enjoy. Miami band students and directors will also work with Celina and Van Wert High School Band students during the day in clinic settings. This is a great opportunity for these kids, their band directors, and we are proud to be able to host the Miami University Wind Ensemble in concert.

One last mention in this week’s column of amazing things coming to the Niswonger is Miss Addison Agen, runner-up in NBC’s “The Voice”. Of course, it was hard not to hear about Addison and her singing, as she hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Since her appearance in December on national TV, Addison has sold out the Embassy Theater in Fort Wayne twice and now wants to play the Niswonger.

She will be giving a concert in Van Wert on Sunday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. Her tickets are currently on sale at the Niswonger Box Office. If you want to see and hear this young 16-year-old talent, get your tickets now.

Tickets are also currently on sale for “Ohio Has Talent”, that wonderful fundraiser for Community Health Professionals. It is coming to the Niswonger on Saturday, February 24, and is loaded with many talented individuals from throughout the region. Support Community Health Professionals and be a part of the excitement of “Ohio Has Talent”.

Phew! How’s that for a rather uneventful winter? Build it and they will come! We did and the Niswonger is now the place for some of the most exciting musical and performing arts events in the entire region!

I’ll see you soon.

FINÉ.