The Allen County Public Library’s Community Album has added The Doc West Concert Collection to help preserve the rich history of rock n’ roll in the greater Fort Wayne area. 

The collection, which launched March 15, invites music lovers, historians, and the community at large to engage with Fort Wayne’s rock scene and the legacy of longtime WXKE DJ Doc West.

West, a staple in the local music scene, has long recognized the value of storytelling in music. His impressive collection of carefully selected images recognizes a significant chapter in the story of rock n’ roll and demonstrate the value of preserving photos and stories of local history. 

“For well more than four decades, Doc West has been bringing rock into the homes and hearts of his listeners,” said Curt Wichter, ACPL director of Special Collections. “His generosity in sharing rock n’ roll treasures with the community will bring back good memories for so many and may even encourage some to replay great hits from yesteryear. This unique collection will add to the many treasures already found in the ACPL Community Album.”

The project features well-known musicians and bands during their visits to Fort Wayne. Among the more than 1,000 images are rock icons such as Alice Cooper, Fleetwood Mac, and The Rolling Stones. 

Great American Cleanup returns May 4

Volunteers are invited to join this year’s Great American Cleanup on Saturday, May 4, beginning all over Fort Wayne from 8-9 a.m.

Staff members from the Solid Waste Department will coordinate and assign locations to ensure areas with the most need are addressed, but groups may pick an area of their choice if they have identified a location.

After the work is done, a volunteer celebration with food, drinks, prizes, and live entertainment will be held at Headwaters Park from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

The City of Fort Wayne will provide groups with garbage bags, gloves, and T-shirts. Volunteers are asked to pre-register at www.cityoffortwayne.org/great-american-clean-up through April 19. For more information, call the City of Fort Wayne Solid Waste Department at (260) 427-1345 or by email greatamericancleanup@cityoffortwayne.org. 

Get registered for PFW summer camp

Registration has begun for summer camps at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Classes are filling up with one already filled. To reserve your spot, go to pfw.edu/camps.

  • Theatre Masters (Grades 8-12) — June 17-21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $89.
  • Youth Drama (Grades 4-8) — June 24-28 from 10:45 a.m. Cost is $89.
  • Dramagination (Kindergarten-3rd Grade) — June 24-28 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Cost is $79.
  • Indiana Clarinet Experience (Grades 8-12) — June 3-8 Cost is $575 residential, $475 commuter.
  • Video Production Camp (Grades 6-8) — June 17-21 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $275.
  • Gene Marcus Piano Camp & Festival — (Grades 8-12) June 9-14. Cost is $499 residential, $399 commuter.
  • Dreaming and Designing with Vincent (Grades 2-5) — June 10-14 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $225.
  • 29th Annual Summer String Camp (Grades K-12) — June 24-28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $299.
  • Twinklers Class for New Players (Kindergarten-12th Grade) — June 24-28 from 9 a.m.-noon. Cost is $99.
  • Music Technology Camp (Grades 6-8) — July 29-Aug. 1 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $250.

Fort Wayne Youtheatre host summer camps

Fort Wayne Youtheatre is taking registrations for their summer theater camps. Performances will take place the last class period.

  • Rising Stars: Beginning Stages (Kindergarten-2nd Grade) — July 15-19 from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Theater. Cost is $100.
  • Let’s Put on a Show: Seussical Jr. (Grades 2-5) — June 10-14 and 17-21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Embassy Theatre. Cost is $350.
  • Rising Stars: Musical Theatre Camp (Grades 5-12) — June 10-14 and June 17-21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Cost is $200 or $350 for both sessions.
  • Rising Stars: Acting Camp (Grades 5-12) — July 8-12 and July 15-19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Theater. Cost is $200 or $350 for both sessions.
  • Score!: Embassy Theatre (Grades 7-9) — July 8-20 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Embassy Theatre. Cost is $450 if registered by May 22 and $550 if registered after May 22.

For more information or to register, go online to fortwayneyoutheatre.org/summer-camps.

Clean Drains initiative awarded

This year’s recipient of Arts United’s Mayor’s Arts Award is Clean Drains Fort Wayne: Be River SmART.

Friends of the Rivers and Fort Wayne City Utilities collaborated on a three-year initiative, Be River SmART, using art to visually represent the importance of keeping Fort Wayne’s three rivers clean. Clean Drains: Be River SmART is a collection of artistic endeavors that introduced a new public art concept — sidewalk murals. A total of 95 storm drain sidewalk murals and 4,800 storm drain medallions were installed throughout downtown, trailways, and city neighborhoods. 

Applications for southeast art projects open

Applications are open for the Community Connections: Southeast Arts Projects Grants program. 

Grants will provide funding to support arts and culture projects and activities physically occurring in southeast Fort Wayne. Eligible projects include annual festivals, art, dance, music, or theater classes, cultural celebrations, interactive arts experiences, and public art projects. Applicants may apply for a grant between $500 and $5,000 to fund their project. 

An application support session is available virtually on Friday, March 29, at noon. In person sessions will be Wednesday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, 2323 Bowser Ave., and Tuesday, April 2, at 4 p.m. at Fort Wayne Urban League, 2135 S. Hanna St. 

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 17.

Go to artsunited.org/resources/grants for the full grant application and guidelines.

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