Crawford County Community Concert Association brings top-notch entertainment to Bucyrus

The Crawford County Community Concert Association was formed in 1944 and, after a short hiatus, was reborn in 1976. The association is still going strong and bringing talented musicians and other acts to Crawford County.

“There are two conferences that we attend that showcase different artists so we can choose which ones to showcase,” said Tom Holthouse of the Concert Association.

His fellow board member, Linda Leyda, said the conferences allow the association to build relationships with agents so bring in the best acts possible to the area.

“There is so much talent out there that we have been able to bring to Bucyrus,” Leyda said.

Holthouse said some people ask him why the association brings in tribute artists instead of the original artists.

“The one problem with that is that major artists are much too expensive for our budget. We were able to bring Glen Campbell to Bucyrus years ago. The artists we bring in are very talented and people enjoy them very much,” Holthouse said.

Leyda said the association is working to bring in a variety of shows.

“Our audience has been older in the past, but younger people are starting to come to the shows. We are trying to balance out the types of acts we bring in,” said Leyda. “In the past, we have not only had musical shows but also other types of acts, such as a ventriloquist and a magic show.”

The association is funded by local organizations and individuals in addition to ticket sales for each show.

“This show is made possible, in part, by support of the Community Foundation for Crawford County, FC Bank, Ohio Mutual Insurance Group and the Ohio Arts Council,” said Holthouse.

American Idol contestant performing Nov. 13

The latest show will feature American Idol star Tristan McIntosh and a full live band that will be bringing the music that made Linda Ronstadt was famous for as part of The Linda Ronstadt Experience on Nov. 13.

The show will take the audience on a musical journey that includes some of Ronstadt’s smash hits, such as “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Blue Bayou” and many others. The lineup of songs spans Ronstadt’s career from her early days with The Stone Poneys, the 1970s where she helped forge the country-rock sound with classic renditions of songs by The Eagles, Jackson Brown, Warren Zevon, and into the 1980s where she bridged the New Wave Sound into huge hits with her chart-topping tenth album, “Mad Love.”

“It is going to be a great show with an amazing artist. Tristan McIntosh, who was a 2016 finalist on American Idol, does a beautiful tribute with the songs Linda Ronstadt brought to life so beautifully," said Holthouse. "We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the music as Tristan and her band takes you on an emotional ride of purity, power and heartbreak as she is soaring through these songs as though they live inside her."

The Linda Ronstadt Experience will take the stage at the Bucyrus Elementary Auditorium, 245 Woodlawn Ave., in Bucyrus, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

“We still have great seats available, and people can purchase them online or by phone. They can get tickets the night of the show if it is not sold out but can only pay with cash in person,” added Holthouse.

For more information, show previews and ticket information, go to the Concert Association website at crawcocommconcert.com and click on the iTickets.com link or call 800-965-9324. Discounts are available for students 18 years old or younger.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Crawford County Community Concert Association ready for next concert