Van Wert

Van Wert's live-music anchor is the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, a 1,200-seat theater in the heart of Van Wert operated by Van Wert Live, the performing-arts arm of the Van Wert County Foundation. Since 2007, the Niswonger stage has hosted hundreds of professional performers, Broadway productions, national and international speakers, and school concerts. The booking range is broad: notable performers have included country star Trace Adkins, R&B singer Michael McDonald, and rock group REO Speedwagon, alongside acts like Molly Hatchet, The Band Perry, and Larry Fleet. Over 350,000 attendees from more than 40 states and Canada have come to the Niswonger for performances, lectures, and meetings. Beyond the theater, Van Wert Live runs the "Feel Good Friday" summer concert series at Fountain Park, where free evenings of national and regional bands are funded through the Van Wert County Foundation.