Sweetwater Sound has a pretty nifty contest going down for all the musicians out there, and it’s even cooler if you’re a Def Leppard fan. 

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Def Leppard’s ground-breaking album Pyromania, folks are invited to show off their best cover song for a chance to win loads of gear from Sweetwater, including guitars personally spec’d by Def Leppard’s own Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen. 

Don’t worry, the guitarists in your band are not the only ones who will make out if you win the competition. There are other prizes including a dual wireless system, a 5-string bass, and an electronic drum set. 

To enter, choose your favorite track from Pyromania, record it, then post it to social media sites like YouTube or Instagram using the hashtag #PyromaniaCover2024. Plus, don’t forget to tag @sweetwatersound and @defleppard. You will also need to submit your entry online at sweetwater.com/pyromaniacontest. 

The sweepstakes continue through Sept. 13. 

Now I know there are some local acts that do killer versions of “Foolin’” and “Rock of Ages,” so there no excuses not to enter. Plus, it would be cool to see others give their twist as well. 

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy return to The Clyde

The Clyde Theatre have announced that on Sunday, Sept. 8, they will welcome the return of the contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. 

For more than 30 years, these cats have performed in concert venues across the world, sold millions of records, and had their music appear in hundreds of movies and television shows. 

Still, they continue to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music and bring joy to audiences around the world. 

Reserved seating can be purchased at clydetheatre.com, over the phone at (800) 514-3849, or in person at The Clyde box office and Sweetwater Sound.

Debbie Gibson gets intimate at Eagles

Of course, Debheads will already know, but for those of you who don’t, Debbie Gibson is making her way to Eagles Theatre in Wabash on Wednesday, Oct. 23. 

The pop icon and trailblazer is celebrating the 35th anniversary of her No. 1 hit “Lost in Your Eyes” and No. 1 album Electric Youth. 

This intimate show finds Gibson at the keys, telling stories and playing songs the way she wrote them. 

Tickets for Debbie Gibson’s Acoustic Youth: Songs and Stories from the Electric Youth Era are available at honeywellarts.org. 

Go country at McDonald House fundraiser

The Hubie Ashcraft Band and Rylie Lynn are headed to Roanoke on Thursday, Aug. 29, for the 15th annual Rhinestone Rodeo. 

Taking place at the Blackstone Ranch, 10127 Kress Road, the event is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Indiana. 

There will be good music, delicious cowboy fare from Charlie’s Place, and bourbon tasting. 

Single tickets can be purchased for $200 or exclusive VIP treatment at their Outlaw Oasis that includes VIP seating, drink concierge, Desperado Delights, and his or her Bounty Box for $325. 

For more info, go to rmhc-neindiana.org/events/rhinestone-rodeo.   

Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.