Dan Heath & the Paradise Band to Play At Harlan Days!
Dan Heath with the Paradise Band was formed by Dan more than 10 years ago out of a love for music, especially the old standards in the style of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, and Tony Bennett. The band then expanded into 50s and 60s rock ‘n roll including British Invasion tunes and American rock.
The instrumentalists that make up the band are all long-time music professionals each with a degree in music and most members with Masters degree in either music performance or education.
David Blackwell is a long-time high school band director and a former conductor of the Fort Wayne Community Orchestra. His favorite instrument is the clarinet, but he also plays a great sax.
Terry Vaughn is a highly energetic drummer who taught music in the Fort Wayne public school system for many years prior to his retirement.
Bob Ferguson is a classically trained, 45-year player of the guitar and a long-time guitar instructor. Bob also is featured on WIPR for his classical guitar show.
Brad Kuhns is the band’s bass player and a performer with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.
Rod Noftsger came to the band recently from Nashville and is a great trumpet play both in the improvisational sense but also as a great reader of music.
Dan Heath began singing in 2001 when he created a CD of songs for his wife on their 22nd wedding anniversary. He received formal vocal training from Robert Vance who directs the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus. Heath was honored with an invitation to perform at the American Traditions Vocal Competition of the Savannah Music Festival and made it to the quarterfinals against the set vocal competition in American and the World.
We hope you enjoy Dan Heath & the Paradise Band at Harlan Days on Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Leo Post 409 American Legion Riders to be Harlan Days Parade Grand Marshalls
The Legion Riders will be the Grand Marshalls in the 2015 Harlan Days Parade. Founded in August 2006, the Leo American Legion Riders ride for God, for our country, for the American Legion family and allied veterans everywhere; protecting those who protect us. They ride to raise funds to support our local veterans and their families. Please come out to the Harlan Days Grand Parade on
Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m. and thank the Leo Post 409
American Legion Riders for their service to our veterans.
Hoosier Gentry to Perform at Harlan Days 2015
Hoosier Gentry is returning again this year to entertain everyone at Harlan Days! This talented quartet has been pleasing audiences in the greater Fort Wayne area for over 17 years now with a variety of appearances in show settings, parties, banquets, receptions, and fairs. They especially enjoy being “up close and personal” to make it possible for their listeners to really bask in their harmonies. They were pleased to be selected Senior Quartet Champion of the Cardinal District (Indiana & Kentucky) in 2006.
Bob Bowman, Dave Thomas, Duane Johnson and Tom Schaden are also members of the Summit City Barbershop Chorus, where they met and discovered their affinity for singing together.
Please come out to enjoy Harlan Days and the wonderful harmonies of Hoosier Gentry on Thursday, July 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.!
Bekah Bradley Band to perform at Harlan Days 2015!
2014 Hoosier Idol contest winner, Bekah Bradley, along with her band of professional musicians will be performing on Friday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss this fabulous entertainer performing old country favorites along with newer country and country pops songs. Bekah is a rising star on the country music scene, performing all over the Midwest. Make the trip out to Harlan Days for food, fun and great music from the Bekah Bradley Band!
Mark’s Ark Appearing at Harlan Days
Mark’s Ark will be appearing this year for another great show at Harlan Days! He and his many animals will be on the Midway Stage from Saturday, August 1, 3:00-4:00 p.m. The presentation is for the whole family so you won’t want to miss it!
Are you ready for a hands-on, LIVE animal presentation? Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and bugs… Oh my! Mark Kohlhorst, of Mark’s Ark, will be bringing not-so-common, people friendly animals to Harlan Days. His presentations are well known to be very interactive with the audience and are chuck full of interesting and weird facts about the animals he will show. Mark is an expert animal handler. His critter knowledge matched with humor and wit make for an exciting program! He performs throughout the Fort Wayne area and anywhere in Indiana for birthday parties, festivals, senior centers, or any other kind of family-oriented event. Hurry out to Harlan Days, the animals can’t wait to see you!
John Curran & Renegade to Play at Harlan Days 2015!
John Curran and Renegade have been together for over 15 years. John began playing guitar as a child and when he reached high school, he knew that performing was in his future. John Curran and Renegade guarantees that when you come to one their shows, you will have a fabulous time!
John Curran & Renegade are one of the best country music performers in the area. Many years of hard work and dedication have paid off with a huge fan base in the Midwestern states. They have shared the stage with some of the top national country acts such as: The Charlie Daniels Band, Rick Trevino, John Anderson, The Kinley’s, Aaron Tippin, Yankee Grey and John Berry. The band is quickly climbing from regional to the national level. The music and performances delivered are highly addictive and will keep you up on your feet throughout the entire show! Don’t miss them on the Harlan Days midway stage on Saturday, August 1 from 7:00 -8:00 p.m. and again from 8:45-11:30 p.m.
Mike Hemmelgarn to Entertain at Harlan Days 2015!
Mike Hemmelgarn is back at Harlan Days this year with even MORE new puppets, juggling, magic and just plain gut-busting comedy entertainment for the entire family. You’ll meet Marvin, a pathetic yet lovable office worker who is looking for a little respect and “Mrs. Right”. Watch as a bowling ball, drawn on a piece of paper, magically appears out of nowhere!
Mike’s shows are constantly evolving and change according to the needs of the audience. As one spectator exclaimed, “You never know what’s going to happen next!” Among the characters you are likely to meet are Butterball the paranoid turkey, Casey the ballistic duck, a 92 year old midwestern farmer named Herman or Spud, a quick-witted and wildly entertaining ventriloquist puppet. Spud loves to involve the audience and often turns several volunteers into real live puppets – you’ve got to see it to believe it! The show builds to the dramatic finale where Mike juggles a bowling ball, apple and flaming torch… while eating the apple! (This is done after performing the chicken dance while balancing a bowling ball, apple, and knife on his forehead!) Mike also juggles everything from balls and juggling pins (with his own unique style, of course!) to bowling balls (one of which he mysteriously removes from a standard-sized briefcase), and even juggles ping pong balls with his mouth! The highlight of many shows is Rosie – an eccentric grandmother puppet, Britney Spears wannabe, and former high-fashion model – who always provides world-class comedy wherever she goes! Add a touch of magic, music, and audience participation to this high-energy show and you have lots of fun for everyone! Mike’s shows have consistently received standing ovations at banquets, corporate and club events around the country, as well as praise from teachers and school administrators.
See all of this and so much more when you come out to Harlan Days to enjoy the food, fun and see Mike’s show! He will be performing on the midway stage on Saturday, August 1 from 8:00-8:45 p.m. and then will continue performing while roaming the fairgrounds from 9:00-10:00 p.m.
