With the spring season pretty much behind us, so were our hopes of having Solfest this year at Fox Island County Park.
Typically held the first weekend of May each year, the festival brings folks together in celebration of the sun (solstice). The last few years have become a little wacky with everything from flooding at the park to the pandemic. Rather than let things fizzle away, organizers have decided to bring back Solfest, this time in late summer.
The event will take place Aug. 14 from noon-10 p.m. at Parkview Field. Yes, you heard me correctly, downtown at Parkview Field.
The Fort Wayne Maker’s Market will bring in dozens of local vendors to the facility that day with a large variety of handcrafted items that appeal to all ages.
There will also be lots of children’s activities including face painting, inflatables, Pyroscope Entertainment fire shows, LED spinning and juggling, and live music.
“We have the joy of welcoming back several excellent bands that have delighted Solfest audiences in the past, coupled with some great new artists to provide 10 hours of fantastic local music,” said organizer Sarah Loshe.
The main stage will include U.R.B., T Zank, Grateful Groove, Unlikely Alibi, Los Galaxy, The Wailhounds, and Dead Man’s Dance. The acoustic stage will feature Phil Schurger with Gracie Jo, Jessie Mae, Dan Dickerson, Sunny Taylor, Andy Pauquette & Shelly Dixon, and Esther Rose.
In addition, food and drinks will be available from Parkview Field and the splash pad will be running, so make sure to bring swimwear and towel.
Although the event won’t be taking place at Fox Island, proceeds will still go toward a special ADA trail project currently in the works at the park.
“Connecting with nature and each other is so important and we hope to raise awareness about local treasures such as Fox Island and come together to support amazing projects that encourage wellness in our communities,” Loshe said.
Sounds like a plan to me! I’m just stoked that we’re having a Solfest this year, and by the way it sounds, organizers are hoping to have it back at Fox Island next year.
Admission is $10 with children 10 and under free. You can pay at the gate or be on the lookout for pre-purchase opportunities, as well as updates for the event.
Roll out to Beer Barrel for live music
Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill at Jefferson Pointe will be getting their feet wet with live entertainment every Tuesday evening from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The fun will take place on the patio and feature a number of local performers including Alyssa Enright on June 21, Mischief on June 28, Tom Koenig & Greg Reszel on July 5, Jersey Money on July 12, Ross Kinsey on July 19, Todd Harrold & Eric Clancy on July 26, Tom Koenig playing solo on Aug. 2, Next Gen Jammers on Aug. 9, Shane & Eric on Aug. 16, Pegasus on Aug. 23, and Ross Kinsey again on Aug. 30.
Come out and grab yourself a made-from-scratch- pizza, a cold beverage, and enjoy some tunes.
Bands pay tribute to Crüe, Poison at Piere’s
The music of Mötley CrÜe and Poison will fill the air at Piere’s on Friday, July 22, at 10 p.m.
If you don’t have the funds to attend “The Stadium Tour” this summer with MÖtley CrÜe, Poison, Def Leppard, and Joan Jett, this may very well be the next best thing. Hitting the stage will be CrÜe Ü, Chicagoland’s ultimate MÖtley CrÜe experience, and Dirty Talk, a tribute to Poison.
This will be a high-energy rock n’ roll affair complete with light show, replica guitars, and costuming. One thing’s for certain — you will have nothing but a good time and your liver will not be very happy with you in the morning.
Tickets are available now via etix.com.
Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.
