VWCF releases 2018 Summer Music Series

VW independent/submitted information

Some fan favorites, as well as entirely new musical experiences, are part of this year’s Fountain Park Summer Music Series.

Paul Hoverman, coordinator of performing arts for The Van Wert County Foundation, has just announced the list of concerts for the 2018 concert season. The 2018 edition of the popular summer concert series offers something for nearly everyone and includes a number of musical genres, including country, rock, bluegrass, pop, southern gospel, and patriotic music.

All Fountain Park summer concerts are free and open to the public. The Fountain Park Summer Music Series, now in its 17th year, is underwritten by the foundation, in cooperation with the Van Wert City Parks & Recreation Department.

Friday, June 1 — Phil Dirt & The Dozers

Phil Dirt & the Dozers: Ohio’s largest indoor tailgate party, a Van Wert favorite, returns to Fountain Park to kick off the summer music series and the Van Wert Peony Festival. Enjoy classic Rock ‘n Roll from America’s golden years with Phil Dirt & the Dozers.

Friday, June 15 — Endless Summer Band

Voted “Best Music in Indiana,” this band from Indianapolis is a national touring company with great vocals and horns. Area residents will enjoy everything from Frank Sinatra to Bruno Mars. Back by very popular demand.

Friday, June 22 — The Kingsmen Quartet & The Tacketts

This night will be a glorious night of Southern Gospel and Country music at its finest! The Kingsmen Quartet from the mountains of western North Carolina is one of the most beloved and innovative groups in Christian music. The Tacketts and Powell Creek Junction hail from Defiance, and the 2017 Country Gospel Group of the Year, and recently performed at the Grand Ole’ Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.  Sarah Tackett, a Van Wert native, is a former Miss Ohio and talent award winner of the Miss America Pageant.

Friday, June 29 — Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra

Get into the mood for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday with the Lima Pops Orchestra. Maestro Crafton Beck returns with the Pops in a traditional concert of entertaining popular music, marches, and patriotic favorites. Always a winner with Van Wert audiences.

Friday, July 13 — The Cyrkle

The Cyrkle was a short-lived American rock and roll band active in the mid-1960s that charted two Top 40 hits: “Red Rubber Ball,” and “Turn-Down Day”.  In 1966, The Cyrkle was opening for the Beatles on their last U.S. tour. The group is now back together and will help people relive those happy days.

Friday, July 20 — Summer Breezin’

For those who enjoy the classic rock music of Seals & Croft and America, this will be a magical evening.  Audience members will be amazed that they recall every song of these two biggest soft rock bands of their era. It’s going to be the perfect summer concert.

Friday, July 27 — Katlyn Baker

This young American country music singer and songwriter was raised in Wise County, Virginia, where her father and grandfather worked in the coal mines. Area residents are going to love listening to this new up and coming country girl many have hailed as the new “coal miner’s daughter.”

Friday, August 10 — Remember when Rock was Young

Craig A. Meyer and the Rocket Band will make people believe they are almost at an Elton John concert.  Meyer has toured internationally, recorded with the likes of Frankie Valli and Barry Manilow, and has headlined for Princess Cruises around the world. Area residents will party into the night as the Fountain Park concerts close out in a guaranteed flashy style.

In addition to the Fountain Park Music Series, the Van Wert Area Community Concert Band will perform on May 25 and August 3 in Fountain Park. These concerts are also free and open to the public.