Music in Van Wert: Harry James and my Mailman

By PAUL HOVERMAN, VW Co. Foundation Coordinator of Performing ArtsWhen I was a child growing up on Cable Street in Van Wert, I recall our mailman visiting our house in the afternoon. I can't remember his name anymore, but it seemed that every time he came to 615 Cable, he would delight (at least I think he delighted) in hearing trumpet sounds coming from inside the house. First, it was my older brother, Philip. Then a few years later, it was me. Our mailman would call my brother Harry James. And then when I came along, he would call me Harry James Jr. Little did I realize that some 40 years later, I would be bringing the Harry James Orchestra to Van Wert. Of course Harry passed away over 20 years ago, but his band, his music and his legacy continue through his wonderful music still being performed live.Now days, Fred Radke, a trumpet player himself who actually played with Harry, is the band's current director. With his experience and respect he has for Harry James, the excitement of Harry James' Big Band continues today.This Saturday, many of you will have the opportunity to experience this excitement live in the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and just a few seats remain. You may need to sit in the balcony, but you get a great view from there and the acoustics are fine from every seat in the house. The box office is open from noon until 4 p.m. each day, so feel free to drop by or give them a call. It will be a fun and memorable night.We are also accepting renewals for the '08-'09 Community Concert Season. Tables will be set up in the Van Wert Federal Grand Lobby starting at 6 p.m. to accept renewals. The series proves to be a real winner, featuring dance, big band music, vocal music, comedy and amazing keyboard artistry.As always, you can check our website: www.npacvw.org for a complete listing or stop by the box office for more details. New subscribers will be accepted after April 25, so if you have friends you would like to share the series with, tell them to hang in there and we might be able to get them in. Grab a brochure Saturday night and share it with them the next time you see them. Any remaining seats are also sold at $20 each.When arriving for the Harry James concert this Saturday, you might plan on being seated a few minutes early as we will be showing a promo video of the upcoming Community Concert Series. It is always good to get a sneak preview of the artists. I think you will like what you see and hear.As we think about the upcoming summer, I know many of you enjoy seeing the Van Wert Area Marching Band in the local parades. I also know there are many out there who used to play musical instruments who could contribute to this band. It is filled with people just like you who said they could never do that any more. I encourage you to contact its President, Dewaine Johnson at 419-238-3194 or vwamb@wcoil.com to find out more about this fun musical organization.FINE'