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Fountain Park Summer Music Series July 5, 2008  - 7:00 p.m. From Phil Dirt & the Dozers on Friday, June 6 to The Diamonds on August 8, you won't want to miss the Friday night concerts in the Park! July 3 Lima Symphony "Pops" Orchestra's Star, Spangled Salute to America!; Saturday, July 5 John Ford Coley ; Friday, July 18 Caribbean Sound ; Friday, July 25 Rhonda Vincent ; August 8 The Diamonds, . For more information contact the Van Wert County Foundation office at 419.238.1743.
Steve Lippia - Simply Sinatra September 20, 2008  - 7:30 pm Steve Lippia has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of “standards” and traditional pop music in the nation. Reminiscent of the young Sinatra, Bobby Darin, and Harry Connick, Jr., Lippia moves from crisp, popping swing tunes to lush, poignant ballads with equanimity. His natural sound and style is a remarkable combination of his own honest musical interpretation and the influence of the best singers of an incredible era of American music. He delivers his music in a deeply personal way and includes standards permanently engraved in the Americn History of Music: ”I’ve Got You Under My Skin, The Lady is a Tramp, Mack the Knife,” and more. With a hot, driving band behind him, Lippia impeccably interprets the best repertoire of the Big Band era and American Classic Pop. A modern Sinatra, a gifted performer, a special experience...Lippia does it his way! A part of the Community Concert Series, individual tickets will go on sale June 25 for $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Hermans Hermits & Peter Noone October 11, 2008  - 7:30 p.m. Herman’s Hermits took the world by storm in the sixty’s with the classic hits I’m Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am, Can’t You Hear My Heatbeat, There’s a Kind of Hush and more. The British invasion rivaled the legendary Beatles. And leading the group, at the age of fifteen was Peter Noone. The international star now has added credits from smash Broadway hits, television, theater and a four year stint as host of VH1’s “My Generation” to his resume. He has appeared most recently on “American Idol.” Noone brings his legendary voice, stage presence and classic songs, along with his Herman’s Hermits to Van Wert! Sponsored in part by WERT/WKSD and Time Warner Cable. Individual tickets go on sale July 15. Ticket prices are: Orchestra Center - $35; Orchestra R&L, Mezzanine Ctr - $30; Mezz. R&L, Balcony Ctr. - $25; Balc. R&L - $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
The Five Browns October 23, 2008  - 7:30 p.m. “One family, five pianos and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years,” raves The New York Post. Five Juilliard-trained sibling virtuosos have stunned sold-out crowds across the U.S. bringing new life and energy to classical repertoire with their awe-inspiring performances and infectious enthusiasm. Their first two CD’s spent 8 weeks and 21 weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Classical charts. Their third CD, released last fall is following suit. Performing to sell out crowds from Carnegie Hall to college arenas, whether outfitted in their jeans or glamorous dresses and tuxes, these five fabulous pianists perform the ultimate show on their five Steinway pianos! Sponsored in part by The Lima News. Individual tickets go on sale July 23. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $35; Orch. R&L, Mezz. Ctr. - $30; Mezz R&L, Balc. Ctr. - $25; Balc. R&L - $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
The StepCrew November 6, 2008  - 7:30 pm The STEPCREW is the New international dance production featuring the world's top talents in Irish Step, Ottawa Valley and Modern Tap Dancing as well as fiddling. The Stepcrew takes traditional dance forms and fiddling to new heights. Featuring a cast of seven outstanding dancers, The Stepcrew seamlessly transitions through traditional classics, modern interpretations of Celtic dances and electrifying new compositions created for this debut tour of this exciting show. The Stepcrew features and was founded by Jon Pilatzke (Chieftains/Bowfire), Stephanie Cadman (Bowfire), Cara Butler (The Chieftains), Nathan Pilatzke (The Chieftains) and Dan Stacey (Seven Nations). The 12 member troupe also includes a female vocalist and a four-piece band featuring some of the leading musicians on the scene today, as well as choreographer/dancer Sarah Uddin and Joe Dwyer (Riverdance). A part of the Community Concert Series, individual tickets will go on sale August 5 for $20 each. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Nunsense w/ Sally Struthers November 12, 2008  - 7:30 p.m. The New York Times dubs the 25th Anniversary tour of Nunsense as “A hail of fun and frolic.” Starring Sally Struthers, the two-time Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner from All In The Family and Gilmore Girls, as the Mother Superior who leads the nuns in a variety show to raise funds for the burials of 52 other nuns accidentally poisoned by the cook. Directed by Dan Goggin, the author of this musical comedy, this Nunsense is a smash you won’t want to miss! Sponsored in part by CBS-38 Lima. Individual tickets go on sale August 12. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $40; Orch. R&L - $35; Mezz. Ctr., Balc. Ctr. - $30; Mezz. R&L, Balc. R&L - $25. Buy Tickets
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder November 22, 2008  - 7:30 p.m. Country and Bluegrass superstar Ricky Skaggs and his legendary Kentucky Thunder band begin the season of holiday shows at the NPAC with a Thanksgiving flavor as this multi-award winning group of musicians take the stage. As bluegrass music’s official ambassador, Ricky Skaggs has brought the genre to great levels of popularity. Topping the country charts in the 80’s, this 1985 CMA Entertainer of the Year, went on to start his own label in the late 90’s and release an amazing 8 consecutive Grammy-nominated classics. The all-star lineup of award winning musicians in Kentucky Thunder include Andy Leftwich, Cody Kilby, Mark Fain, Darrin Vincent, Paul Brewster and Jim Mills. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the amazing talents of these musicians right here in Northwest Ohio. Individual tickets go on sale August 20. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $40; Orch. R&L - $35; Mezz. Ctr., Balc. Ctr. - $30; Mezz. R&L, Balc. R&L - $25. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Vienna Boys Choir November 30, 2008  - 7:30 p.m. For over 500 years the young male voices from Vienna, Austria have been delighting monarchs, dignitaries and the masses around the world. They have performed with internationally acclaimed musicians, orchestras and symphonies. The choristers number 100 and range in age between 10 and 14. They are divided into four choirs that perform around 300 concerts and performances in front of almost half a million people each year. Their repertoire includes everything from medieval to contemporary and experimental music. It will be an opportunity to set the stage for a perfect holiday season at the NPAC. Ask the box office about special dinner options available. Sponsored in part by WLIO and US Bank. Individual tickets go on sale August 28. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $35; Orch R&L, Mezz. Ctr. - $30; Mezz. R&L, Balc. Ctr. - $25; Balc. R&L - $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Tony Orlando Christmas Show December 12, 2008  - 7:30 p.m. “Santa and Me” was written, produced and directed by Tony himself who bills the holiday celebration as a musical for all ages with a wide variety of Christmas favorites, comedy, magical sets, original music and “Santa” himself who delivers the true meaning of Christmas. Orlando weaves together humor and emotion thrilling audiences time and again. It’s filled with the joy of the Christmas season along with Tony’s biggest hits including Candida, Knock Three Times, Tie A Yellow Ribbon, and more. It’s an evening you won’t forget and the perfect way to start a family holiday tradition. Check with the box office about special dinner options for the evening. Sponsored in part by Van Wert Federal Savings Bank, Vancrest Healthcare Centers, The Lima News. Individual tickets go on sale September 10. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $50; Orch. R&L - $45; Mezz. Ctr. - $40; Mezz. R&L - $35; Balc. Ctr. - $30, Balc. R&L - $25. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Theatre of Illusion - The Spencers January 17, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. The Theatre of Illusion production has placed the Spencers into one of the most popular magical entertainers of our time. Labeled by the media as “Modern Day Houdinis,” The Spencers bring a high-tech illusion stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense that include dazzling special effects and a magnificent set design. With charisma, Kevin and Cindy Spencer’s personalities create a powerful experience for their audiences that they will never forget! Individual tickets available October 15. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $30; Orch. R&L, Mezz. Ctr. - $25; Mezz. R&L, Balc. Ctr. - $20; Balc. R&L - $15. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
State Ballet of Russia - CINDERELLA January 27, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Based on Charles Perrault’s classic fairy tale, the 50+ dancers of the State Ballet of Russia bring the fairy tale Cinderella to life under choreographer extraordinar Vladimir Vasilev’s direction. The Palm Beach Daily News states that the director “refreshingly avoids the stereotypical emphasis on Cinderella as the soot-covered victim of an abusive relationship…rather parodies their enormous egos in contrast to Cinderella’s to have her simple dream come true.” The brilliant backdrops, costumes and artistry of this ballet will be a show that enchants the heart of every age! Sponsored in part by Time Warner Cable. Individual tickets go on sale October 23. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $40; Orch. R&L - $35; Mezz. Ctr., Balc. Crtr. - $30; Mezz. R&L, Balc. R&L - $25. Buy Tickets
Spyro Gyra February 14, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. A marathon runner in the arena of contemporary jazz, Spyro Gyra has been moving across the musical landscape for more than three decades. They have maintained the well-deserved reputation as a viable and highly versatile creative force. This nine time Grammy nominee has produced such hits as the 1979 Morning Dance, to the 2007 summer album release of Good To Go-Go and all those in between. It will be an evening of high-energy, innovative and eclectic music and highly exciting. It’s a jazz show you won’t want to miss! Ask the box office about special Valentine's dinner opportunties! Sponsored in part by Koch Law Office, Jim, Theresa, Meghan and Julia Robideau. Individual tickets on sale November 14. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr., R&L - $25; Mezz. Ctr., Balc. Ctr. - $20; Mezz. R&L, Balc. R&L - $15. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Story Musgrave - Earth as Art February 19, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. This former NASA astronaut, trauma surgeon, and pilot shares his multitude of experiences and the lessons he has learned along the way. Born and raised on a a dairy farm in Stockbridge, MA, he was riding combines by 5, repairing trucks and tractors by 13 and joined the US Marines prior to graduation. Over 54 years he accumulated 18,000 hours in over 160 aircraft and has over 700 jumps as a parachutists. He has 7 graduate degrees and been awarded 20 honorary doctorates. He has flown on six spaceflights, performed the first shuttle spacewalk on Challenger’s first flight, conducted two DOD missions and was lead spacewalker on the Hubble Telescope repair mission. This will be an evening of artistic delight! Sponsored in part by the Van Wert County Hospital. Individual tickets go on sale November 19. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $25; Orch. R&L, Mezz. Ctr. - $20; Mezz. R&L, Balc. Ctr. - $15; Balc. R&L - $10. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
The London Quartet - Cantabile March 7, 2009  - 7:30 pm The London Quartet are quite simply one of the world’s top vocal groups. Outstanding in both comedy and the classics, they have been delighting audiences with their unique blend of humour and harmony for the last eighteen years, notching up ten solo albums, over a thousand concerts and more than two hundred TV appearances worldwide. Whether performing in Musicals in London’s West End, Cabaret on the Royal Yacht Britannia, Jazz with the BBC Big Band, Opera in the Covent Garden Festival or classical parodies in front of 40,000 people at the Proms in the Park, the group’s virtuosity and creativity are astounding. The London Quartet break all musical boundaries and invite you to share an evening of great singing, great songs and great fun. Whatever the venue, whatever the mood, for audiences from eight to eighty years old, The London Quartet — Cantabile provide the perfect night out. A part of the Community Concert Series. Individual tickets will go on sale December 10 for $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Arthur Live! March 28, 2009  - 3:00 & 7:00 p.m. Based on Marc Brown’s books and the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, Arthur and his friends come to life on stage. Enjoy the family fun, as everyone’s favorite aardvark and his friends all hit the stage in this delightful musical adventure. The show features your favorite cast of characters including the lovable, intrepid Arthur, his feisty sister DW, his good buddies Buster and Brain, his nemesis Francine – and introducing the warm, wise and wacky Tooth Fairy. Through Arthur’s adventures he discovers and shares the importance of teamwork, learning, and the joys of just being a kid. This is a show the entire family will enjoy! Sponsored in part by Majic 95.1 fm. Individual tickets go on sale December 12. . Ticket prices for Children 12 & Under: Orchestra Seating - $20; Mezzanine & Balcony Seating - $10; Adults: Orchestra Seating - $30; Mezzanine & Balcony Seating - $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Hector Olivera April 18, 2009  - 7:30 pm Hector Olivera is a passionate, gifted, and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world. Inspired by his love for the French pipe organ Hector Olivera recently designed an organ for the purpose of touring. The impressive four-manual ‘Rodgers Trillium Masterpiece,’ complete with two 1000 lb speakers was custom built by Rodgers Organs in Hillsboro, Oregon. Hector continues to thrill audiences with both solo classical literature and his own orchestral transcriptions, now released on DVD and more than 20 classical, contemporary, and film score CDs. Although he is most famous for his prodigious technical proficiency, Hector’s amazing effect on audiences has made many of the most sophisticated and demanding organ aficionados claim that Hector Olivera is one of the greatest organists in the world today. A part of the Community Concert Series. Individual tickets will go on sale January 16 for $20. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
An Evening with Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood May 1, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Following enormously successful solo tours, America’s favorite stars of the Emmy nominated Whose Line Is It Anyway? have teamed up to present an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy. Using their quick wit, Colin and Brad take contributions from the audience to create hilarious and original scenes. Throughout the evening, the show becomes truly interactive as audience members join in to participate in the fun. Their high-profile presentations have played to sell-out crowds across the country! Ask the box office about special dinner options. Sponsored in part by ABC-18 Lima and Eagle 104.9 fm. Individual tickets go on sale February 2. Ticket prices are: Orch. Ctr. - $45; Orch. R&L - $40; Mezz. Ctr. - $30; Mezz. R&L, Balcony - $25. View Official Website | Buy Tickets
Cleveland Pops Orchestra May 16, 2009  - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy “Saturday Night At The Pops” with the Cleveland Pops. The unique and innovative concert, produced by Carl Topilow and the Cleveland Pops, cross all boundaries and appeal to all musical tastes. The Cleveland Pops has delighted audiences since 1995, growing in praise and popularity with every year. Their diverse, innovative and electrifying programs have been critically acclaimed. The concert is truly fun for everyone from age 8 to 80. The contemporary American music will keep you humming, singing, tapping and clapping long after the show has ended. A special tribute to the Armed Forces will round out the evening’s show on this special Armed Forces Day concert! Just Added: Special guest, international pianist, Leon Bates! A versatile and exciting artist, Bates enjoys collaborating with orchestras and his sheer mastery of the piano has led to many performances with symphonies and orchestras throughout the world. Individual tickets go on sale February 13. Sponsored in part by WLIO and The Times Bulletin. Ticket prices are: Orch Ctr. - $40; Orch. R&L - $35; Mezz. Ctr. - $30; Mezz. R&L - $25; Balc. Ctr. - $20; Balc. R&L - $15. View Official Website | Buy Tickets