RON RETZER PERFORMS AT TOWNGATE FEBRUARY 28

WHEELING, W.Va. (February 13, 2009)— Oglebay Institute continues its Towngate Spotlight series at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 28 as popular performer Ron Retzer takes the stage at Towngate Theatre, located in the Centre Market District of Wheeling.

A longtime member of the Jamboree USA staff band 1170, Retzer entertains audiences with his musical talent and tremendously rich voice. Retzer’s wide vocal and dynamic range sends chill up your spine with every song he sings. His song selection includes an eclectic mix including country, pop, patriotic, gospel, love songs and rock-n-roll. Aside from his vocal ability, he is a well-trained and experienced keyboardist and a songwriter with 45 self-penned songs and four CDs to his credit.

A native of Brilliant, Ohio, Retzer began his musical career playing the accordion in churches. He has a bachelor’s degree in music from Alderson-Broaddus College and a master’s degree in education from Dayton University. He enjoys performing all over the tri-state area at various church functions, special holiday shows and Jamboree In The Hills.

Don’t miss this opportunity to treat yourself and your family to an evening of music that is sure to entertain.

Featuring some of the Ohio Valley’s most versatile and entertaining musicians as well as student film festivals, Towngate Spotlight takes place Saturdays when there is no live theater in production.

Upcoming shows include:

The 48 Hour Student Film Festival, April 11
The 48 Hour Student Film Festival challenges amateur filmmakers to write, shoot and edit a ten-minute film in just 48 hours. The short films are then shown to a public audience and a panel of judges.

Kim & Friends, May 23
Delighting fans with sounds of the 70’s, these talented musicians and singers performs top hits from artists like the Eagles; the Beatles; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Marshall Tucker Band; Beach Boys; Van Morrison; John Denver; Jackson Browne; Allison Kraus; Little River Band and more.

No reservations are taken for Towngate Spotlight shows. Tickets are available at the door only, so arrive early for best seats.

Each show lasts about two hours and refreshments are available.

The Towngate Theatre is located at 2118 Market St. in Wheeling’s historic Center Market district and parking is either curbside or in the nearby Center Market garage.

Admission is $10. Members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount. Call 304.242.7700 for more information.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the members of the Institute as well as with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts.