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Following 2019’s hugely popular Violins of Hope exhibition, the project will return to Fort Wayne in March with an art exhibit, concerts, speakers, and religious services.
The journey of Violins of Hope began when Amnon Weinstein, whose family of 400 grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins were killed during the Holocaust, began finding violins that were played by Jewish musicians in the camps and ghettos.
A partnership between The Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne and Pearl Street Arts Center has brought four of the instruments to the city, which will be on display at the Violins and Hope: From the Holocaust to Symphony Hall exhibit and will also be played at various concerts.
The Violins and Hope exhibit at the University of Saint Francis’ Rolland Art Center features Daniel Levin’s photographs from his book of Weinstein’s collection, his Tel Aviv workshop, and the restoration process. The exhibit will run March 11-23.
Prior to the photographic exhibit, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestras will perform Of Hope & Remembrance: Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II on Sunday, March 9, at 4 p.m. at PFW’s Auer Performance Hall.
Other scheduled events include a free screening of the documentary Saul and Ruby’s Holocaust Survivor Band at 7:30 p.m. at Pearl Street Arts Center on Saturday, March 15. The event will also feature a discussion with the film’s director Tod Lending, who also authored The Umbrella Maker’s Son.
Levin will be at Rolland Art Center on Monday, March 17, to discuss his picture book, Violins and Hope. The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. with Bennett Strings performing selections by Jewish and Holocaust-era composers on Violins of Hope.
The documentary Orchestra of Exiles will be screened free at The History Center at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.
On Thursday, March 20, Rabbi Meir Bargeron of Congregation Achduth Vesholom will be joined by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, bishop of Diocese Fort Wayne-South Bend will present a Jewish-Catholic Prayer Service at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
A quartet will play Violins of Hope instruments at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21, at Congregation Achduth Vesholom as part of a Shabbat Service.
For more information and a full list of events, go to violinsandhopefw.org.
Mayor lays out North River plans
Mayor Sharon Tucker and the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division recently announced a significant redevelopment plan for the North River property.
The 29-acre site bounded by Clinton, Harrison, and Fourth streets was used as a rail yard and scrap yard, dating back to 1902. The land has not been actively used since 2006.
Phase One calls for the construction of the North River Fieldhouse, which would establish Fort Wayne as a key youth and adaptive sports tourism destination. Spanning 160,000 square feet, the facility would be designed to accommodate various sports and activities. The estimated investment for the fieldhouse is anticipated to range between $50 million and $60 million.
While no specific approvals are being requested at this time, City Council approvals may be necessary for supporting infrastructure. A cost estimate for infrastructure will be completed over the next year as the redevelopment plan is finalized. Additional funding sources will also be sought.
Clean Drains returns this year
Clean Drains Fort Wayne: Be River SmART invites local creatives to spread a little brush love on our humble storm drains — the gateways to our rivers.
City Utilities, in collaboration with Art This Way, is entering the fifth year of the Clean Drains Fort Wayne initiative with renewed energy and new locations. Throughout the life of the project, Clean Drains’ partners have painted public art encouraging all of us to keep trash, chemicals, and debris out of our storm drains, and in turn to stop those pollutants from getting into our rivers.
Artists of all levels are encouraged to apply by May 18 with selections made by the Fort Wayne Public Arts Commission on June 4. Drain murals will be created from Aug. 16-24.
To apply, go to artthiswayfw.com/artist-call.
Big Fort Fest filling void at Headwaters
With the cancellation of the Three Rivers Festival, some folks jumped at the opportunity to fill the void at Headwaters Park.
Fort Wayne Tattoo Festival organizers Jake and Jes Farris and Electric Promotions chief Jake Slater are putting on Big Fort Fest at Headwaters, July 10-12.
Despite a tight timeline, they promise three nights of live music from national acts as well as children’s activities, a market, and classic festival food.
Carnival stops in Coliseum parking lot
Kissel Entertainment, one of the nation’s premier traveling amusement providers, have announced the Summit City Carnival will be held Aug. 1-9 in the parking lot at Memorial Coliseum.
According to a press release, there will be “more rides than any carnival, fair, or festival in Fort Wayne’s history.”
Philharmonic announces season
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic has announces the lineup for their 2025-26 season, which kicks off with the Moonshot at Patriotic Pops show at Parkview Field on June 30.
The season will continue with an eight-concert Masterworks series, featuring a five-concert Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary.
The popular Pops Series continues as well as the familiar Freimann and Family series.
The Coffee Concert Series will continue for its second season and the Innovation Series will move to a brand-new venue at The Clyde Theatre.
Subscription packages are available for purchase at fwphil.org. Single tickets go on sale Aug. 4.
Design LC Nature Park’s new shirt
LC Nature Park is inviting artists, designers, and nature lovers to submit their designs for their 2025 T-Shirt Design Contest.
The contest is open to participants of all ages, with a theme centered around nature, conservation, and community.
Submission deadline is March 12, and all entries must be submitted digitally through the form on LC Nature Park’s website.
For more information or to submit a design, go to LCNaturePark.org/tshirt-contest.
The Fairfield sets grand opening
The Fairfield, 1510 Fairfield Ave., will hold its grand opening Thursday, Feb. 27.
The event will kick off with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. followed by giveaways until 7 p.m. The first 50 people at the Hendricks Street entrance will receive a doorbuster deal.
Beginning at 7 p.m., the evening will feature live music and a tour of all four floors, including Urban Golf, Pinhouse Social, The Fairfield Wedding & Events, and the grand opening of the fourth floor.
Live local theater
Two local theater groups are producing serious, thought-provoking shows for the winter season.
The PFW Department of Theatre will present John Proctor Is the Villain, written by Kimberly Belflower and directed by Mark Ridgeway, Feb. 21-March 1 at Williams Theatre.
The production is rated R and contains adult language and thematic material, including frank discussions of sexual misconduct.
The Fort Wayne Youtheatre will present Something Happened in Our Town, Feb. 21-23 at First Presbyterian Theater.
News and Venues covers Northeast Indiana’s music and arts organizations, venues, and colleges, from large to small. Send your news items to info@whatzup.com.
