A.L. DeLeon of Columbia City was awarded second place in the Fiction: Epic Fantasy category at the Spring 2023 BookFest Awards for her book Song of Life.
BookFest honors authors who create outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction. BookFest’s dedication to honoring authors is rooted in a belief in the transformative power of literature and a desire to support and celebrate those who create it.
“Being selected as a winner of The BookFest Awards is an incredible honor,” said A.L. DeLeon, pen name of April Gerard. “I am grateful to be recognized for the hard work and dedication that went into creating Song of Life. I hope this award will inspire others to pursue their own literary passions.”
Song of Life: Book 1 of the Seven Kingdoms, published with Dragon Moon Press, is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other retailers. DeLeon writes primarily fantasy and science-fiction but occasionally dabbles in poetry, contemporary, and non-fiction. DeLeon is finishing Dance of War: Book 2 of the Seven Kingdoms and a side novella set in the same kingdoms, tentatively titled Boundary Jumper.
You can meet DeLeon and other authors on April 22 at the Local Author Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Eckhart Public Library in Auburn.
Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Embassy
The 50th anniversary tour of Jesus Christ Superstar visits Embassy Theatre on Saturday, April 15, at 8 p.m.
This new production of the iconic musical phenomenon was originally staged at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and cutting-edge choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom).
This production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, paying tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world.
With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas.
Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”
Canterbury welcomes author for lecture
As part of their Jonathan Hancock Lecture Series, Canterbury School will host educator and best-selling author Jessica Lahey on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m.
The lecture, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed, will be at Arts United Center, 300 E Main St. Tickets are $10 and are general admission.
Celebration for Ford Mustang enthusiasts
Bob Thomas Ford Lincoln North, 310 Coliseum Blvd., W., will celebrate National Mustang Day on Saturday April 15, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The event will celebrate 59 years of the Ford Mustang. All generations of the Mustang and all makes and models of Fords are welcome.
Support Wags & Wiggles rescue at adult prom
Near the Allen and Whitley county line, Union 12 at 7563 E. Lincolnway Road will host an adult prom on Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m. with proceeds going to Wags & Wiggles Pet Rescue.
This formal event will include music, dancing, a professional photographer, a photo booth, a cash bar, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The event is for those 21 years old and older.
Tickets are $50 or $90 per couple, and are available at eventcreate.com/e/adultpromunion12.
WorkOne holding job fair at downtown library
On Thursday, April 20, at 1 p.m., WorkOne Northeast will hold a hiring event at the downtown Allen County Public Library.
Among the employers scheduled to be at the event are Allen County Public Library, Amazon, Byron Health, CK Products, Creative Financial Staffing, Dreamkeeper Properties, Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Goodwill Industries, Help at Home, Home Helpers Home Care, Laurus Home Care, Norfolk Southern, Parkview Health, Pro Resources, ProMedica Home Health and Hospice, Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Superior Auto.
Monthly legal issues workshop at Pride Center
Fort Wayne Pride holds a monthly educational workshop series on the second Thursday of every month with the next one being Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m., at Fort Wayne Pride Center, 527 W. Berry St.
This month’s topic is Employment Discrimination Claims: Navigating the EEOC and the Metro Human Relations Commission, presented by attorney Robert Scremin of Scremin Law Office. He will be available for questions after his presentation.
The series is free and open to the LGBTQ community and allies. Light refreshments will be served.
Taste of the Arts returns Aug. 26
Art enthusiasts can mark their calendars for Aug. 26 as Taste of the Arts returns downtown.
Arts United has announced the festival will be from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at various downtown locations, including the Arts Campus, The Landing, Rosseau Plaza, and Promenade Park.
“We’re looking forward to another year of local performances, arts and cultural experiences, and cuisine,” said Heather Closson, vice president of community engagement. “The admission-free festival highlights the creativity of Northeast Indiana and lets the community engage with it.”
The festival is a celebration of all the arts. Patrons can check out a musical performance at one of the many stages then browse art from one of the many vendors. There will also be dance routines, theatrical performances, food trucks, and more.
In 2022, the festival featured 77 performances on eight outdoor and four indoor stages.
For more information, go to tastefw.org and follow Taste of the Arts on Facebook and Instagram.
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.
