The Evening Leader

Venue Announces two headline concerts headed for Van Wert

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VAN WERT — As promised, Van Wert Live announces the dynamic addition of two new national touring artists to the entertainm­ent offerings for 2021.

The first musical addition to the 2021 line-up on the Niswonger Performing Arts Center stage is Denver and the Mile High Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21.

Denver and The Mile High Orchestra features the blend of a red hot horn section with jazz and big band roots sprinkled in with a bit of Christmas panache. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra have created a power funk sound that defies descriptio­n and is unlike any other. With Denver Bierman, writing and arranging the band’s music, the diverse sounds of legends such as Stevie Wonder, Chicago, and Earth Wind and Fire combine for a fresh look at contempora­ry pop fused together with jazz and big band. Their audience spans gospel, big band, jazz, funk, and contempora­ry pop! What’s not to love?

“We’ve never really been a mainstream, pop radio band we’ve just tried to be a band that everybody could enjoy – a band for the American family. What could be better than being a band for the American family,” said Band Leader Denver Bierman.

The future couldn’t be brighter for the Nashville-based horn band who currently has two different television shows in developmen­t, as well as multiple recording projects on the horizon. Denver and The Mile High Orchestra provides an engaging evening of musical celebratio­n like no other for families to enjoy.

Next to join the hot list of featured artists at the Niswonger is the 2019 American Idol winner Laine Hardy. This deep-south country up-and-comer will wow the Van Wert crowd at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11.

A native of Livingston, Louisiana (pop. 2,000) Laine Hardy was six when he picked up his first guitar and later joined his brother playing in local clubs and bars for upwards of six hours a night, inspired by artists ranging from Luke Combs and Elvis Presley to Mark Broussard. After winning American Idol in 2019, Laine focused on songwritin­g and touring, headlining shows in Denver, Indianapol­is, Sacramento, Minneapoli­s, Lexington, and more. Laine’s 2020 “Ground I Grew Up On” virtual tour made 20-plus online stops, with views at 2 million and counting. He already made his Grand Ole Opry debut and is now touring with his Monster

Energy Outbreak headlining tour through the end of the year.

Laine’s new album, “Here’s To Anyone,” features “Memorize You” that debuted nationally on The Bacheloret­te on ABC in early July and is his follow-up single to “Other LA,” “Tiny Town,” and “Ground I Grew Up On.”

Laine Hardy follows other American Idol alumni to the Niswonger stage. Scotty McCreery, winner of Season 10, and Kellie Pickler, 6th place of Season 5, both who performed to sold-out crowds in Van Wert.

These newly announced events, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra and Laine Hardy are available to Van Wert Live Members beginning Oct. 8. General Sales begin Oct. 22.

VWLive Event and Membership informatio­n can be found at VanWertLiv­e.com or through the Box Office by phone 419-2386722 or in-person from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. on Friday.

The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation presenting VWLive events is powered by the Van Wert County Foundation. The Box Office is located within the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 state Route 118 S., Van Wert.

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