Imagine Music Productions Host Dar Williams Concert at Memorial Opera House

dar-2It all started at a summer party six years ago: Rob Harkel and Brad Koeppen, high school friends and fans of music, had the idea to bring music into the community. Their idea formed into Imagine Music Productions, which brings nationally known and critically acclaimed singer/songwriters to Valparaiso to perform. In the end of their fifth year, Imagine Music Productions is expecting a booked year ahead. The company hosts about five or six concerts a year.

Harkel said, “All the artists love the atmosphere and intimacy of Valparaiso, as well as the downtown area. Dar Williams is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter from the east coast. The turnout for her show has been excellent; the ticket sales have been strong. The community has been very supportive of what we are doing to bring artists to Valparaiso.”

dar-1An audience member, Michelle Wise, said she heard about the concert while surfing Valpo Life. Wise herself is a vocalist and raved about Dar Williams, “She is a very good singer. I have never heard her by herself so I am excited to see this performance.”

Another audience member, who says he comes to every one of Imagine Music Production’s shows, said he was, “astonished at the amount of talent [Imagine Music Productions] brings in.”

Koeppen said, “Imagine Music Productions brought Valparaiso a venue it never had before. Now residents can go have dinner downtown, and after, come to see a concert close to home. It beats driving to Chicago and having to deal with parking. It makes for a nice night.”

dar-3The audience gave a “warm Valparaiso welcome” to Dar Williams as she stepped onto stage. The main vocalist, she also played the guitar, and was accompanied by a pianist who sang as well. The cozy atmosphere of the Memorial Opera House was a perfect setting for her concert. As Williams started her opening song, the audience quieted for an enjoyable evening of music, made possible by Imagine Music Productions.

Written by Erica Wirsing.