Amid all the summertime activities in Fort Wayne, one has remained persistent the past 18 years: Rock the Plaza. 

The popular concert series has been supplying the city with free live music on the lawn of the downtown Allen County Public Library Plaza nearly two decades. It’s provided the community a chance to unwind on Saturday evenings in their favorite lawn chair, grab some grub or a beverage from one of the local vendors, and take in a diverse mix of local acts. 

Behind every star-studded lineup is a powerful live music impresario. That is Kyle Haller, well-known to the local music scene for his keyboard work in such acts as Phil’s Family Lizard, Kyle Haller Band, Grateful Groove, The Wailhounds, and The Revisitors. 

Haller is also a recipient of this year’s H. Stanley Liddell Award, awarded by Whatzup to those that have made contributions to the arts and culture scene of northeast Indiana. 

“The first time I saw the shell being built outside of the downtown library, it was my goal to play under it,” Haller said. “After hounding the library a bit, not only was I given the opportunity to do so, but they were interested in doing a whole series.”

Rocking the plaza

The first year for Rock the Plaza featured just seven shows, taking place every other weekend. And for the trivia nerds out there, the very first show consisted of Phil’s Family Lizard and Walkin’ Papers. 

With expectations exceeded that first summer, it was decided to bump things up the following year with 13 shows, every weekend. 

Although Haller dabbled with some touring acts early on like Ekoostik Hookah and The Why Store to try and put the series on the map and increase awareness, his focus has always been on giving local acts a platform. 

“My favorite part about Rock the Plaza is the diversity of people it brings out,” he said. “It’s just great to see the youngsters hanging and dancing with us old folks.”

I don’t care who you are, providing friends and families the opportunity to gather in beautiful downtown and allowing our local musicians a place to be heard for nearly 20 years is quite an accomplishment. By now, I don’t think you can find too many people in town that haven’t attended a Rock the Plaza concert, whether that be a musician or the community. 

Helping young musicians

When Haller’s not roaming around the library grounds, on father duty, or tickling the ivories with one of his bands, he’s involved with Keyboards for Kids, a program he started to help youngsters. 

“This whole idea came about after people would occasionally ask me where they can get a cheap keyboard for their kid who is wanting to take lessons,” he said. “I’m a keyboard player, and I know these things aren’t cheap and not in everyone’s budget. That’s when the light bulb went off. 

“I started asking for people to donate their unused keyboards that were just sitting around collecting dust, and it sort of took off from there.” 

So far, he’s managed to make the day for several youngsters, something he’s eager to expand on in the upcoming year. 

“It’s so satisfying being there whenever a kid gets the keyboard and see their excitement,” he said. “I also like to get a photo for our Facebook page, but sometimes I’m so overwhelmed myself that a forget to take the pic.” 

Anyone who has a child in need or wanting to donate should hit up the Keyboards for Kids Facebook page.

In good company

Haller didn’t suddenly discover altruism; He’s always been a kind and giving soul. It’s a big part of why he’s being recognized with a Liddell Award, named after the original owner of Piere’s who was instrumental to Whatzup’s survival in the early years.

Haller’s efforts in elevating and supporting local musicians, and organizing an impactful local event through dedication, creativity, and the love of the community have not gone unseen.

“I feel so amazing about it,” he said when asked about the winning the award. “It’s one of the coolest awards, and I’m very honored and humbled. 

“When I saw the list of past winners and the company I was with, it just blows me away.” 

Well, you deserved it Kyle, and I’m sure I speak for a lot of folks who appreciate your boots-on-the-ground approach for those Saturdays throughout the summer and for fostering a strong “give back” attitude to the community.