GREENEVILLE, TN - The Niswonger Performing Arts Center in historic downtown Greeneville, Tennessee, is underway with its 10th Anniversary season.
"During our 2014-2015 season we are presenting over 40 performances," said Tom Bullard, executive director of NPAC. "Since opening in December 2004, NPAC has hosted hundreds of concerts and events in our venue containing over 1,100 seats. NPAC is recognized nationally as a leading entertainment venue for performing artists and theatrical productions. Performing artists this season represent many genres and nationalities including Canada, Mexico, Russia, China, The Netherlands and Africa. There is also a wide assortment of children's and family programming including matinee performances."
"NPAC is now recognized as a leading venue in the entertainment industry with a solid management team and active board of directors," said Bullard. "We strive to offer affordable ticket pricing while presenting an outstanding selection of entertainment options. The artist fees and operational expenses incurred in providing this level of entertainment are significant. Ticket sales alone will never sustain the quality and quantity of performances we hope to provide. It is important that individual and corporate partners join us in achieving our goal of providing programming, performing arts education, and other valuable aspects within our region encompassing East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. Through the generosity of our contributors, NPAC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, will continue to grow. The financial support to NPAC, and its programs, is invaluable to our success."
Angie Wilson, managing director of NPAC said, "From country and bluegrass, to jazz and contemporary Christian, NPAC offers an outstanding selection of entertainment options for a wide audience. One of our goals is to provide a great guest experience. As an example, NPAC is one of the few venues in the United States which does not charge an additional fee to order by phone or online. It is truly no-fee ticketing... no service charges or order fees."
"We have a wide assortment of musical artists on our schedule between now and mid-May in 2015," continued Wilson. "There are also many family friendly performances such as Jack Hanna's Into The Wild Live, Chef Robert Irvine, Sid the Science Kid, National Acrobats of China, Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour, The Francesca Battistelli Christmas Tour, The Ugly Duckling, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Spot the Dog. We are also very excited about the premiere of the NPAC produced musical "River Song' in January 2015".
"NPAC is providing a significant positive economic impact on the local and regional economy," said Bullard. "Our data shows attendance from over 20 states. In Tennessee, we've attracted guests from over 35 of the 95 counties, and in adjoining states such as Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina we have double digit county attendance as well. An example is North Carolina where guests have attended from over 20 counties. I recently received an email from a couple in North Carolina who visited NPAC for the first time to see The Bacon Brothers (actor Kevin Bacon and Emmy winning composer brother Michael Bacon). They traveled three hours and enjoyed their experience so much they have since purchased tickets to three additional performances. Whether it's lodging, restaurants or fuel... its verifiable new dollars for merchants and tax revenue for the local economy. It's vital that our local and state government officials realize this positive impact. As both I and Board Chairman Scott Niswonger have previously stated, NPAC cannot continue providing this level of entertainment options without support from individuals, businesses and government."
"Construction of NPAC began in the summer of 2003, and the venue opened in December 2004", said Wilson. "In March of 1999, plans for the renovation of Greeneville High School were in the final stages. That renovation budget included plans for a new auditorium. A visionary group of local businessmen suggested that by adding private funds, a performing arts center could be built which would be an asset to the Greeneville City School system and the region. With a significant donation from Scott Niswonger, a local businessman and philanthropist, the venue became a reality. The Greeneville Board of Education voted to name the venue the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in honor of the donation. Mr. Niswonger envisioned the venue as being a recruiting tool for economic impact, which also offering enrichment in the performing arts for the community," said Wilson.
"Our mission statement is to perpetuate a commitment to the performing arts for Greeneville, Greene County, neighboring counties, and the region including East Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Southwestern Virginia. We believe that a flourishing arts and cultural community enhances our quality of life, produces community pride, encourages cultural development and understanding, and broadens the education of our children," said Bullard.
"If you haven't experienced a performance at NPAC, I invite you to do so. It's a great venue to watch a concert or other event. In addition to The Bacon Brothers our last few performances have been REO Speedwagon, The Band Perry, Jamey Johnson, Jo Dee Messina, Boz Scaggs and 38 Special. That is an impressive list of entertainment for any venue, much less an 1,100 seat facility in rural East Tennessee. We hope to be able to continue providing that level of quality. Although the season is underway there are still many opportunities to be involved in our partner program including performance sponsorships, VIP suite rental and ads in our performance programs. Also, please take a moment to join us online as a member of our growing social media community and to register to receive email updates.
Visit www.npacgreeneville.com for links. On behalf of the staff and management of NPAC, thank you for your patronage and support," said Bullard.
