By Mandy McFarland Editor
NAPPANEE — Nappanee is back, ready for business and eager to prove it.
Last Friday evening, May 23 was part one of a two-part celebration that will kick off Nappanee's recovery from the Oct. 18 tornado that devastated a large section of the town.
Event coordinators had only three weeks to pull the concert together. While plans for Saturday's activities, including a downtown ribbon cutting and live remote broadcasts from local radio stations, had to be postponed until June 14, Friday's show was able to go on.

Nappanee native and professional vocalist Caleb Shaw entertained with a variety of favorites from Josh Groban to "The Phantom of the Opera" and other tunes while Mayor Larry Thompson dished out ice cream and other familiar Nappanee faces served sweets, coffee and refreshments.
Nappanee resident Ron Bedward was Master of Ceremonies.
Local retailers donated a variety of door prizes and drawings took place throughout the concert. Refreshments purchased for $1 apiece earned one ticket each toward the drawing. Banana splits from the mayor were worth four tickets toward a grandfather clock.
About Caleb Shaw
With local beginnings, the 2003 NorthWood graduate has expanded his territory all over the world. Graduating last year from Azuza Pacific University in Los Angeles, Calif., Shaw has launched a successful music career with tours in Ireland, Ukraine, Austria, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and other countries.
His musical successes include winning Michiana Star Search in 2003, then successfully auditioning for American Idol season four in Washington, D.C., making it through the Hollywood round as one of the top 100 contestants.
He spends his summers at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. as the male soloist  for traditional Irish dancing show "Emerald Beat."
He is also no stranger to stage productions, having appeared in several Round Barn Theatre productions.
"My first big musical was at Amish Acres," he said. "I played Kurt in 'The Sound of Music.'"
However, Shaw was hooked on music long before then. He comes from a musical family, where his mom plays flute and his dad is on the worship team at the First Brethren Church, where the family attends.
"I love recording, I love theater, music theater," Shaw said. "I love being in front of people and sharing my gift."
For Shaw, returning home after touring the world and performing for thousands could seem a bit strange. However, that is not the case.
"It's not that weird," he said. "It's kind of normal."
Shaw has recently completed a demo CD, which was available for sale during the concert.