Downtown Fort Wayne continues to thrive and prosper. We are far from the days when the only time folks would go downtown would be to pay a bill or go to court.

A good deal of downtown’s success can be attributed to the Downtown Improvement District which recently announced a series of free performances every Friday and Saturday evening from June through August. 

Downtown Live! is meant to bring our streets and alleys to life with live, local musicians. Each Friday night this summer, The Landing hosts live music as you dine or stroll through. Each Saturday, Downtown Live! will be held at a series of rotating locations, like The Porch off Calhoun next to Pint n’ Slice, for example. 

The Friday shows include Alicia Pyle Quartet, Basketcase, Rosalind and The Way, Plum Dingo, Lisa McDavid Duo. Performing on Saturdays will be Jana DeBusk, Ross Kinsey, KelsiCote, Smooth Edge II, Pop ‘N’ Fresh, and others. For a complete rundown of performers, check Whatzup’s calendars in print or online.

Take a ride to the Clyde 

The Clyde Theatre has added two more worthy shows to its rapidly growing calendar. 

First up on Friday, July 23, The Clyde welcomes country music singer Billy Currington to the stage. The Georgia-born singer is best known for his megahits “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer,” “People Are Crazy,” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” 

The Grammy-nominated singer possesses one of the smoothest and most distinct voices in any genre. 

The other announced show takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 20, when blues guitarist Jimmie Vaughan brings “The Story Tour” to the Clyde. The four-time Grammy-winner has been playing the blues he hears in his head and feels in his heart for over half a century. 

Despite being a hectic year for most, 2020 was good to Vaughan. He was nominated for a Grammy, took home Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year at the Blues Music Awards, and released The Pleasure’s All Mine, a collection of 31 of his timeless recordings. 

Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, May 28.

Motorcycle Rally

Kaitlyn Schmit and The Move have a nifty gig lined up in July when they perform at the Wetzelland Motorcycle Rally near Van Wert, Ohio. From July 22-25, you can enjoy camping, swimming, bike rodeo games, a tattoo contest, vendors, food, and live music. 

Scheduled to perform throughout the weekend are Molly Hatchet, Lita Ford, Dull Robinson, Puddle of Mudd, Buckcherry, 69 Band, Colt and Crew, and The Why Store. Now, that’s good company. 

For more info, go to wetzelmc.com.