Michael Weber Show to rock Van Wert's Fountain Park

Jun. 6—VAN WERT — Van Wert Live began Feel Good Fridays with Head Games: A Tribute to Foreigner on June 2, but this week will see a new original act taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Downtown Fountain Park.

The Michael Weber Show, fronted by guitar virtuoso and Akron-native Michael Weber, will bring their signature sound, inspired by rock and roll and dozens of other genres to Van Wert this weekend.

"I've never been in Van Wert before," Weber said. "So this is my opportunity to see what all it has to offer."

Weber said that he liked the idea of playing in a new market and that everything he has heard about Van Wert has justified it.

"It opened up the door to a lot of new supporters of our craft," he said. "I've heard nothing but the finest things about the events and hospitality. I think it's glorious."

Weber even said that they will be dining from local restaurant The Edition prior to the show.

Above all, though, Weber is excited for people to enjoy their performance.

"I hope they take away the fact that they saw somebody play with as much passion and exuberance for music as they've ever seen in their life," he said. "We're an original rock band so even though, we'll sprinkle some covers in there, you have to find something for people to connect with. And if they're people that don't know your material, you've got to find some way to make them say, 'Man, that young kid up there playing guitar really gave it everything.'"

For anyone who is not familiar with the band, what they will get is a mix of songs inspired by blues, pop, punk and indie music from the 50s through the 70s.

"You put it all together and you get what it is that I do, musically," Weber said. "From a live show perspective, though, I'm a firm believer that if you're going to go out and see a band play, I have to deliver something that is captivating so I'm very focused on being a great entertainer and trying to summon all of my influences. But I will do everything, from wearing funky clothes to playing behind my head and dancing around, just to make the show as exciting as possible."

If anyone feels like doing any investigation on the band, a new double A-side is out now called "C'mon C'mon" and "Plain Jane" as well as multiple previous recordings.

More is in store for the band in the future, though.

"We're working on a new record and writing new songs to record and we're editing and doing whatever it takes to make my vision a reality," Weber said. "The main focus right now is this summer concert tour where we're playing regionally and working a bunch. It feels great to be out there seeing everybody with a new lineup of the band that's really kicking in and it's a really positive experience."

To follow the band, find them at themichaelwebershow.com and on Facebook.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Michael Weber Show

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Fountain Park, Van Wert.

Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.