OELWEIN - The Williams Center for the Arts in Oelwein, was the place to be on Saturday evening, Aug. 30. Just ask anyone who attended the performance by Country music icon, Leroy Van Dyke. The legendary performer did not disappoint. One patron commented as she left, “This program certainly lived up to its pre-concert hype.” The event was presented opposite Labor Day Saturday and the opening Saturday of college football. Williams Center Director Doug McFarlane states, “Without a doubt, this is one of the very best shows that we have presented. Definitely one in the top 10.” To look at the places VanDyke has performed is like looking at all of the great venues of the United States. VanDyke and his band performed two nights before the Williams Center engagement at the Old Thresher’s Reunion. (Mud and all.) The audience of over 550 was treated to almost an hour and a half of non-stop entertainment. Interestingly, according to McFarlanee, over half of the audience was comprised of concertgoers from outside the immediate Oelwein area, and many of them had never been to the Williams Center Auditorium. McFarlane commented that, “It is amazing what advertising and word of mouth can do.” According to McFarlane, the backup band was as professional as any the center has ever hosted. “A back up group makes or breaks an artist,” he said. VanDyke filled the audience in on stories behind the band members and stories about the artists who wrote the words and music. From the opening sounds of the band to the closing song, VanDyke had the audience in the palm of his hand. Some of the selections that were performed included: “Other Woman,” “Gotta Have My Way,” and “Alabama Jubilee.” The concert closed with the two signature songs, “Walk On By,” and “The Auctioneer.” McFarlane related the story of how he and his wife Susan met up with Leroy and his wife. At the Arts Midwest in Austin, TX, the McFarlanes were seated at a table in the back for the opening luncheon. Who should come and sit with them, Leroy and Gladys VanDyke. McFarlane relates, “There was no doubt that this icon had to be booked in the Williams Center.”
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 15:08:59 +0000
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