The Sweetwater Performance Pavilion has made its first announcement for the upcoming summer concert series. It might be hard to imagine sunshine and outdoor concerts with the cold we’re experiencing, but things are about to heat up as summer concert announcements roll in. 

The Pavilion’s first announcement is for the multi-million-selling rock band Styx on Tuesday, July 28. Over the course of their 40-year career, Styx has released 15 studio albums, six best-of compilations, and four live albums, garnering eight Top Ten singles. 

The band’s latest album, The Mission, debuted on various Billboard charts, including No. 6 on Top Rock Albums. 

In any event, concertgoers are guaranteed an evening of big rock hits and soaring power ballads. If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing them on any of their previous engagements, then you know these cats leave it all on the stage. 

Tickets for Styx go on sale Friday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at the Sweetwater campus or online via Sweetwaterpavilion.com. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for the summer! 

Shake the money tree for Woody

If you’ve ever taken the family to the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Woody the Talking Tree. Since the late ’90s, Woody has stood tall in the children’s play and education area and has become a favorite among attendees both young and old. 

Like any of us over time, Woody is showing his age, so much so that the Conservatory is raising money for updates to Woody as well as for the worm tunnel also located in the facility. Renovations to the tree include a fresh canopy of foliage, a new coat of paint, new lights and buttons, and internal mechanics. There’s already a Go Fund Me page created and “We Love Woody” T-shirts for sale.

Also, a benefit concert has been created, thanks to local rapper Sankofa. He is the brains for the fundraiser which takes place Friday, Jan. 24, at the Brass Rail. That event will include a silent auction as well as performances by Pete Dio and The Old & Dirty, El Camino Hot Tub, Ragnarock (South Bend), and Sankofa

You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a few spare dollars to donate that evening as the cover charge will set you back only five bucks. Come out and show your support and help bring Woody back to his original glory. 

Stringfellow at Neat Neat Neat

Neat Neat Neat Records has hit a home run with the recent booking of American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Ken Stringfellow on Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. 

Best known for his work with The Posies, R.E.M., The Disciplines, and the re-formed Big Star, Stringfellow’s discography includes more than 200 albums. 

Neat Neat Neat will be the perfect setting as Stringfellow takes us on a journey of songs, stories, and his stream-of-(sub)consciousness humor and anecdotes. He plans to revisit his landmark album, Touched, as a focal point for the evening. Special guest Karen Allen will open the show. Tickets available now through Eventbrite. 

Look for the Sweetwater all-stars

The Sweetwater All-Stars are set to perform at Don Hall’s Guesthouse on Jan. 24 and 25. What’s so special about these performances is that you’ll have the opportunity to check out their newest member and lead singer, Lisa McDavid. Come out and welcome her aboard! 

Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.