I would like to start this week’s column by giving a hats off to Debutants and Co. for raising the roof of The Clyde last weekend for the inaugural Debutants Ball. 

For a local act to pull off something like that was truly something special. If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought you were at carnival, not a music venue, with the array of activities taking place. 

From all the vendors scattered throughout the venue, to aerial performers, stilt walkers, the evening’s emcee Dave P, the all-star cast of local musicians that performed, and the number of fans who showed up, it was quite the experience. 

Hopefully, Debutants will make this an annual event. Time will tell. 

Comedians, a cappella stars at Embassy

Embassy Theatre recently added three worthy shows to their ever-growing calendar, beginning with comedian Jeff Dunham on Thursday, Sept. 22.

The ventriloquist, standup comedian, and actor is hitting venues all over the country on his “Seriously!?” tour, which includes his popular characters Walter, Bubba J, Peanut, and Achmed the Dead Terrorist. 

Humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor David Sedaris will come to town Sunday, Nov. 13. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. He has been nominated for five Grammys for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. 

Finally, Indiana’s favorite a cappella group Straight No Chaser returns to town for a performance Wednesday, Dec. 14, aboard “The 25th Anniversary Celebration” tour. 

Tickets for all three shows go on sale Friday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at ticketmaster.com, fwembassytheatre.org, and the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy.

SNL star playing 5 shows at Summit City Club

How did I not know Tim Meadows was coming to town?

With all the great comedians Summit City Comedy Club has been bringing in, they managed to slip in the comedian, actor, and screenwriter for June 2-4. 

In addition to a number of movies and TV roles, Meadows was one of the longest-running cast members on Saturday Night Live, where he appeared 10 seasons. In my household, he’s probably best known as Malcolm in the Grown Ups movies, as they have become my kids’ go-to movies. 

Meadows will appear June 2 at 7:30 p.m., June 3 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., and June 4 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at summitcitycomedy.com.      

Horror movie actors visiting area

Here are a couple of items for horror movie buffs.

On Sunday, May 15, at 7 p.m., Famous Monster Pizza in Decatur will do a showing of the 1988 horror film Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood while you dive into their pizza. But that’s not all. Lar Park Lincoln, who plays Tina Shepard in the film, will be in attendance for a question-and-answer session after the film where you can get an autograph and photo. 

Tickets are $25, which includes a “monster” slice of pizza, and are available at wntlchannelz.square.site.

Then, on May 21-22, the Bell Mansion will have on hand the person who played the briefly unmasked Michael Myers in the original Halloween: Tony Moran.

Along with being able to get an autograph and photo taken for additional costs, fans who pay the $5 entry fee will have the opportunity to check out vendors and food trucks while also visiting face painters, Tarot readers, and going on ghost and historical tours at the downtown Fort Wayne building.

If you are a fan of either of these horror movie franchises, these are a must! 

Full slate of musicians set for BuskerFest

The Murmurations, Caledonia, Chain Gang Barbershop Quartet, Gregg Bender Band, and Adam Baker & the Heartache are some of the musical acts slated for the 11th annual BuskerFest taking over the intersection of Wayne and Calhoun Street on Saturday, May 21, from 3-9 p.m. 

In addition to music, there will be a bevy of street performers, including fire dancers, living statues, magicians, and jugglers. 

Admission is free for this family-friendly event, and the public is encouraged to tip buskers for their efforts. 

For more info, go to downtownfortwayne.com/buskerfest and look for the May 19 issue of Whatzup.