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Church Basement Ladies September 15, 2009  - 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Church Basement Ladies is a celebration of the church basement kitchen and the women who work there. The show features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and the problems of a rural Minnesota church. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young bride-to-be learning the proper order of things, the book and music give us a touching, funny look at their lives as we see them handle a record breaking Christmas dinner, the funeral of a dear friend, a Hawaiian Easter Fundraiser, and a steaming hot July wedding. They stave off potential disasters, share and debate recipes, instruct the young, and keep the Pastor on due course while thoroughly enjoying, (and tolerating) each other. Featuring William Christopher as the Pastor, M*A*S*H's "Father Mulcahy" adds to the fun! Funny and down to earth, audiences will recognize these ladies as they begin to see the year unfold from below the House of God. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports ""...a clever take on worship life, no matter what your stripe." Tickets go on sale in the near future from $20-$40 with discounts for groups of 10 or more. Two shows at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Buy Tickets
Firefall, Pure Prairie League & Poco September 19, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Three Bands, three legends – one night! Three of Country-rock’s legendary bands take the stage for one night of magic. Classic hits such as “Crazy Love”, “Heart of the Night”, “Call it Love”, “Amie”, “Fallin’ In and Out of Love”, “You Are The Woman” and “Just Remember I Love You” and other hits from the ‘70’s & 80’s will rock the NPAC in country southern style! For a sample of one of Firefall's greatest hits: Click Here. For a Pure Prairie League video sample: Click Here. For a POCO song: Click Here. Sponsored in part by Fun WLDE 101.7 fm. Tickets are $20-$45.Individual tickets on sale June 18. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
The Four Lads with Toledo Jazz Orchestra October 10, 2009  - 7:30 pm This is a show that will take you on a trip down memory lane as you enjoy such classic hit songs as Standing on the Corner, Somebody Loves Me, Time After Time, Istanbul and many others. The Four Lads are credited as one of the most influential vocal groups of the 1950's and their music helped shape early Doo Wop and Rock & Roll. The Lads launched their professional career singing in local clubs around Toronto. Quite a few "Ups and Downs" later, the boys had a chance for a tryout performance at New York's posh dinner club, Le Ruban Bleu. There, Mitch Miller saw them and put them on the million-selling Johnnie Ray records Cry and The Little White Cloud That Cried. After that, the Lads were signed to their own recording contract, receiving their first Gold Record in 1953. 59 years later the Four Lads continue their musical history bringing exciting and truly "golden" performances to receptive audiences. Combined with the Toledo Jazz Orchestra it will be an evening of reminiscent delight! A part of the Community Concert Series View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Air Force Band of Flight October 13, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. This forty-five member group is the largest single ensemble within the Band of Flight. The Concert Band performs a diverse repertoire which includes original band compositions and orchestral transcriptions, popular Broadway and show tunes, marches, and patriotic selections. Although this concert is FREE, it will be ticketed. Tickets will be available at noon August 13 at the box office. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Mike Albert & The Big E Band October 24, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Mike Albert’s “Ultimate Tribute” show has become known worldwide for the respectful portrayal of the late Elvis Presley. Mike’s style and charisma have proved to be quite the crowd pleaser. Joining Mike and the Big E Band on stage for some lively numbers will be local dancers from the area. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser! Tickets are $10-$25. Individual tickets on sale July 28. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Alpin Hong November 6, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Returning for a command performance, this award-winning pianist brings his lively style and modern day Pied Piper ambience to the NPAC. His combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor continue to bring audiences young and old to their feet. It’ll be a show that will leave everyone talking. Tickets are $10-$20. Individual tickets on sale August 6. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Dionne Warwick November 10, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Dionne Warwick has, over an illustrious four-decade career, established herself as an international musical legend. Her reputation as a hit maker has been firmly etched into public consciousness, thanks to nearly sixty charted hits. The NPAC will ring with her legendary voice as she brings such classics as “Walk On By”, “Do You Know The Way To San Jose”, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” and more to Van Wert. Tickets are $25-$50. Individual tickets on sale August 11. Sponsored in part by Van Wert Federal Savingts Bank, WDOH 107.1 fm and Taylor Auto Sales. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
American Voices November 21, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. The voices of Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers have proven to be unbeatable as award winner country music artists. Now the combination teams up with Irish America’s, Andy Cooney. The Gatlins and Cooney join together in a patriotic tribute as well as their own hits as they celebrate Country, Heritage, Faith and Friendship. Over 50 years ago, Larry, Steve, and Rudy Gatlin started singing in their little hometown of Abilene, Texas, and from there went on to make music history. Over the course of a four-decade career that has taken the Gatlin Brothers from dusty Texas stages to White House performances, from Broadway to Grammy Awards to the top of the country charts, there has been one unifying element, music. There's no harmony quite as pure as family harmony. "Gatlin harmonies spin with high and light precision and their music bleeds and screams of love and a lot of living." Said Country Capsule in New York. Throughout the 70's and 80's, the Gatlin Brothers lit up major marquees and packed concert halls across America. Direct from his SOLD OUT appearance at Carnegie Hall on December 4, 2008 and christened by The New York Times as "Irish America's Favorite Son", Andy Cooney has taken the Irish-American music scene by storm. His outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence makes him a favorite with audiences as he renders songs ranging from all-time favorites like "Galway Bay" and "Danny Boy" to his hit records "The Irish Wedding Song", "Boston Rose" and "Daughter of Mine". Andy's talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a song directly to the hearts of his listeners. Andy is a musician, songwriter, vocalist and true entertainer. Dubbed "An American Gift to Ireland's Heritage" (Jim Mahoney, The Daily News) he is currently making his mark not only on the Irish/Irish-American front but also within the world of Country Music, a natural link since so much of Country has Irish roots. Andy has worked with a number of Country Music's finest including The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statlers, Larry Gatlin and Charlie Daniels. Tickets are $25-$50. Individual tickets on sale August 20. Sponsored in part by T-102 fm, and The Lima News. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
The Spirit of Christmas November 28, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. The Spirit of Christmas is one of the most delightful and enchanting Festive Season shows ever. Fabulous Christmas songs, a glittering cast, gorgeous costumes and the highest-kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole will take you to a Winter Wonderland of fun and festive cheer. Join us on a magical sleigh-ride to enjoy Santa’s festive extravaganza and start the Christmas season off in grand style! Tickets are $20 - $40. Individual tickets on sale August 26. Sponsored in part by WAJI Majic 95.1 fm and First Bank of Berne. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Annie - The National Tour December 10, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. The seven-time Tony award winning Broadway classic ANNIE is “One of the best musicals ever” proclaims the Chicago Tribune. America’s most beloved musical is back to give a new generation the chance to experience the classic tale about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” you can bet your bottom dollar that Annie is sure to bring a smile to your face this Christmas! Tickets $25 - $50. Individual tickets on sale September 9. Sponsored in part by The Times Bulletin. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
River City Brass Band December 18, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. From California to New York, River City Brass Band has delighted audiences with its signature style. Celebrate the holidays with the River City Brass Band “Silver Bells of Christmas” along with our own Crestview, Lincolnview and Van Wert High School Choirs. Enjoy a classy, brassy, talented and thoroughly enjoyable evening of all your Christmas favorites. Tickets are $10-$25. Individual tickets on sale September 18. Sponsored in part by The Lima News and Purmort Bros. Insurance. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Canadian Brass January 22, 2010  - 7:30 pm This group of virtuosic brass players, fromed in 1970, brought serious music to the multitudes with a huge splash of laughter and fun. Without a doubt, this is one of the most recognizabel brass quintets of all-time. Canadian Brass paved the way for an entirely new measure of acceptance for brass ensembles. Having started with the very limited base of traditional works for brass, Canadian Brass set out to create their own musical world by transcribing, arranging and commissioning more than 200 works; the most recent being the brilliant Quintet by Michael Kamen. They are not only presenting works in the classical repertoire but continue to take daring leaps into jazz, contemporary concert music and popular songs. They were the first Western Chamber Ensemble to ever tour the People's Republic of China. Since then, they have been delighting audiences from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center and every other performance venue throughout the world! A part of the Community Concert Series. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Mad Science Presents CSI:Live February 12, 2010  - 7:30 p.m. The world’s number one television franchise hits the stage! Bringing the fascinating, interactive journey through crime scene investigations to Van Wert, the audience is taken through the stages of solving the crime that’s been committed. Audience “recruits” will use logic and forensic know-how to investigate the evidence and help solve the crime. Fun for the whole family! Tickets are $5 - kids; $15 - adults. Individual tickets on sale November 10. Sponsored in part by Lee Kinstle Sales & Service. Buy Tickets
The Gershwin PORGY & BESS February 18, 2010  - 7:30 p.m. George Gershwin miraculously melded classical music, popular song, jazz, blues and spirituals in this quintessentially American folk opera masterpiece that tells the poignant story of a crippled beggar, the headstrong woman he loves, and the community that sustains them both. Performing with a live orchestra, audiences will enjoy the infamous Gershwin musical hits like “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “Oh Lawd, I’m On My Way.” It will be an evening to remember with this masterful stage production. Tickets are $20-$45. Individual tickets on sale November 18. Buy Tickets
Le Grande Cirque March 13, 2010  - 3:00 & 7:30 p.m. The spellbinding and magical Le Grande Cirque is one of the most exciting shows you will ever see. Voted “Best Live Entertainment and Best Live Family Show at the Grand Stand” in Myrtle Beach, this show has fun and happiness written all over it. The show features an international cast of 50 world champion acrobats and performers. The international press say “Spellbinding and Magical. Whatever you do – don’t miss it.” Tickets are $15-$40. Individual tickets on sale December 9. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Free Flight with Flutist, Jim Walker March 20, 2010  - 7:30 pm This quartet of musicians was founded by flute virtuoso, Jim Walker. Wanting to return to his jazz roots, this former principal flutist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic formed the group Free Flight and successfully blended Classical music with Jazz. Walker is one of Hollywood's most sought after recording flutists. It is his beautiful flute playing that is heard on blockbuster movies such as Titanic, The Patriot, Aladdin and Austin Powers. Previously in Van Wert a few years ago as part of the Fountain Park Summer Series, the concert was moved inside the First United Methodist Church due to weather. An "electifying" show ensued that concertgoers are sure to remember as well as enjoy once more, this time in the NPAC! Free Flight has been known to turn jazz fans into classical buffs and classical audiences toward jazz. From Bach to Beethoven to Miles Davis to the Beatles, their "eclecticism without compromise" can be heard not simply piece by piece, but within each composition, blending together flavors of classical, jazz, new age and rock music into a palatable whole. A part of the Community Concert Series. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
New York Ballet Theatre March 27, 2010  - 7:30 p.m. Dance/Speak: The Life of Agnes de Mille is a new theatrical/dance piece comprised of de Mille’s iconic work with narration and songs. It includes dances from her hit Broadway musicals – Oklahoma!, Carousel, Brigadoon, and One Touch of Venus as well as selected portions of her ballets – Debut at the Opera, Three Virgins and a Devil, Rodeo and more. “The Company displayed the inimitable de Mille touch with the exquisite symmetry of motion, flawless execution and, above all, an airy sense of grace in motion.” – Variety 2008. Tickets are $20-$30. Individual tickets on sale December 15. Dance/Speak: The Life of Agnes de Mille, New York Ballet Theatre was made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts' American Masterpieces: Dance Initiative, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Daniel Rodriguez April 27, 2010  - 7:30 pm Daniel Rodriquez became a household name after the September 11 attack as New York City's Singing Cop. His rendition of God Bless America during the aftermath of 9/11 helped heal the wounds of a hurting nation. Before long, then-New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani helped set up an audition at the Metropolitan Opera that Daniel now calls “a tragedy.” “What makes you think a policeman can sing at the Met?” was the first comment that greeted him as he arrived. He was only allowed to sing two notes before being dismissed. Through the Mayor, Placido Domingo heard the story, and he told Giuliani he would give the singer a listen. Domingo was in the planning stages for his Young Artists program at the time. “The same day the Yankees won the Pennant in 2001,” says Daniel, “I went to the Met and sang for Maestro Domingo, and he invited me to study with him in Washington. I left the Met on a cloud, sang the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium, saw the Mayor, told him what had happened, and he said, ‘You have to do that, it’s your calling,’ and I said, ‘Well, you’ll have to give me the time off.’” Daniel studied with Maestro Domingo for a year and half. Since then, he has performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics, the PBS Memorial Day concert in Washington, D.C., the Tournament of Roses Parade, the 2004 Republican National Convention and President Bush’s “Celebration of Freedom” Inauguration concert, and on television’s “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Larry King Live,” “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “Oprah,” among many other high profile events. He officially retired from the NYPD in June of 2004. His love of God and country, combined with his tremendously gifted tenor voice has made him America's Beloved Tenor. A part of the Community Concert Series. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Franc D Ambrosio May 15, 2010  - 7:30 p.m. Combining the magic of Franc D’Ambrosio with the Lima Symphony Orchestra, we finish the season with a masterpiece. As the “World’s Longest Running Phantom”, Franc brought more than 5 million theater-goers to their feet for more than six years. Now in full orchestration, Franc brings the most beautiful Broadway and show tunes to life as he and Maestro Beck collaborate to make it truly a night and a season to remember! Watch for details of a “Call for Christine.” Some fortunate young singer in the area may end up on stage singing with “The Phantom!” Tickets are $20 - $40. Individual tickets go on sale February 16. View Official Website | Buy Tickets