Entertainment venues seek local talent, diversity

Jan. 15—LIMA — There is no paucity of entertainment venues throughout north-central Ohio.

From the Veterans Memorial Civic Center in Lima to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert to studios where up-and-comers can hone their craft, there are ample resources in this region for artists, executives and patrons alike.

The proverbial possibilities seem endless, which is why individuals behind the curtain have high expectations for 2022 and beyond.

Omar Zehery, founder of Legacy Sounds Studios in Lima, wears many hats — including those of producer, engineer, musician and mentor in conjunction with Rustgaze Records manager David Entinghe.

The criteria for which artists are hired couldn't be simpler: Local musicians who "move" Zehery. "Our foundation is based on mutual respect, and we love seeing admiration bloom in collaborations between artists and people they trust to bring into the community we've built together," he said.

If someone is honest, open-minded and has the willingness to pay it forward, he explained, "that's enough for us to get in their corner."

That corner has expanded into the Legacy Arts Building, but Zehery's philosophy remains the same: A desire to develop homegrown talent. "Our work is cultivating a much-needed pride that is lacking in similar midwestern cities," he said.

As a result, Legacy Sounds and Rustgaze Records have joined forces with like-minded entities to invest in programs that nurture young creatives. Among their business collaborators are ArtSpace/Lima, the Civic Center and Council for the Arts of Greater Lima.

"We've been able to spread awareness about the blossoming underground of art and music being made and showcased in our backyards," Zehery said.

That's the big picture he foresees as the Legacy Arts Building is established as a creative hub and entertainment destination. By enriching ideas to retain young artists, Zehery explained, "We can revitalize our downtown by drawing people from every walk of life to come together and engage in a culture here that many feel a need to leave the area to experience."

Less inclined to make noticeable changes is Good Food Restaurants, which oversees Old City Prime's Upper Lounge. Erika Cannon, director of People and Promotions for GFR, prefers the if-it-ain't-broken approach.

"Entertainment has been successful in the Upper Lounge. The community looks forward to it," she said. "Our shows typically sell out without a lot of marketing."

Although Cannon pointed out the nightclub's capacity is 90 — which limits ticket sales — the Upper Lounge remains cost-effective. She attributed the company's good fortune to a simple combo of key factors: Inviting both local and nonlocal artists from a variety of genres, in addition to newcomers and established musicians.

As a result, Good Food doesn't intend to change its strategy when it comes to entertaining the masses.

"Our plans are to stay the course this year," Cannon said.

Meanwhile, in Van Wert, Tafi Stober's perspective is in tune with her perch at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

The facility's executive director asserted the wide array of acts and facilities is tantamount to how much patrons enjoy themselves. "The freedom to choose what experience fits you is yours when you make Van Wert your destination for entertainment," said Stober, who described the Niswonger as the "crown jewel" of northwest Ohio.

She pointed out Van Wert Live is the provider responsible for performances at Fountain Park and Van Wert County Fairgrounds, the latter of which has a grandstand with upward of 5,200 seats. Programming is based chiefly on market requests and expectations.

"We work to be responsive to popular demand and diversify that with our desire to include artistic and cultural diversity," Stober explained. "We know that everyone has their own unique flavor when it comes to entertainment. There is no one-size-fits-all."

Each musician, comedian and touring production must match criteria based on Van Wert's mission and brand promise. "Patrons have come to trust the quality of family entertainment that is provided," she said.

The advantage to being a Van Wert Live member (for $100) with early access to tickets cannot be understated, according to Stober. She cited the fact that shows such as "Girl Named Tom" sold out before tickets could be released to the general public.

Stober stated her company's mantra is "Fresh and new in 2022," meaning VWL has shifted to more flexible programming in contrast to specific shows within a season. The spectacles are powered by the Van Went County Foundation, whose members realize there's more to the process than selling tickets or conducting transactions.

"We are in the business of crafting moments that don't have a shelf life or expiration date," she said.

When it comes to the Lima Symphony Orchestra, programming boils down to a collaboration between a pair of figureheads: Executive Director Elizabeth Brown-Ellis and Music Director Andrew Crust.

Brown-Ellis is quick to mention the process begins with the community in mind. "We spend a lot of time listening to what our audience members want and thinking of ways to inspire new ticket buyers," she said, adding that LSO has a comprehensive decade-long programming history.

These days, Brown-Ellis and Crust are — like many in the industry — focused on diversifying their repertoire. In that regard, she said, "Each program going forward will highlight the works of living, American, female or Black composers who have contributed to the classical music field but until recently been underrepresented in concert halls."

During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Crust found time to bone up on digital technology. In turn, Brown-Ellis said, "We are perfectly poised to reassess what and how we've traditionally done things."

That's a recurring theme among local movers and shakers: A need to refine and redefine concert experience. In turn, LSO for one has created post-show celebrations: In February, for instance, there will be a poetry slam on stage, while in March the orchestra will partner with Wapakoneta's Armstrong Air & Space Museum for a "dynamic" Family Concert. What's more, LSO offers Drumming Up Hope and Healing Through Music programs and chimes in with the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution.

Brown-Ellis, recently selected as new president of Ohio Citizens for the Arts, is well aware of the multiple roles LSO plays in the public eye. "We have the opportunity to create an ongoing, meaningful impact in our community, starting with children in preschool."

In being committed to making entertainment accessible to everyone, she said, "The only way to do so meaningfully is for us to step off the stage and into the neighborhoods where people gather."

Reach James Luksic at 567-242-0399.