On Oct. 20, at 7 p.m., the Sweetwater Performance Theatre welcomes musical pioneers Brand X. The progressive jazz fusion band formed in London in 1975 and were immediately heralded for their live shows featuring a young Phil Collins on drums. 

After not touring for decades, Brand X is back on the road with a new show featuring crowd favorites and never-played classics. Together, it’s a seamless mix of fiery musicianship and well-crafted, prog-informed compositions. 

Opening the show will be Andre C, a one-man performer and alumnus of the Zappa tribute band Project/Object

Tickets for this all-ages performance are available through Eventbrite. 

Chicago quintet features American Idol finalist

The Sweetwater Performance Theatre will also be home for another worthy show the evening of Nov. 4, at 7 p.m., when they welcome District 97. This Chicago quintet has melded an adventurous prog-rock prowess with the sound and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. The name may be familiar to some as she was a finalist on season six of American Idol

Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, District 97 has garnered a worldwide fanbase. They are out in support of their latest album, Screens

Opening for them will be local modern progressive rockers, Thematic

Tickets for this show are also available for purchase via Eventbrite. 

They’re big and they’re gorgeous

Big Gorgeous, the theatrical metal masterminds from San Francisco, will trek through the Midwest and make a stop at the Brass Rail on Sept. 30, at 9 p.m.  

This energetic and over-the-top act combines infectious synth dance grooves with catchy, straightforward punk power chords, trumpet accents, addictive choruses, and colorful costume changes. Their lyrics tend to be crude, even vulgar at times, but they are known to have folks singing along in no time. 

Also on the bill are Electro Cult Circus (Columbus, Ohio) and Fort Wayne’s own Florets. All this hoopla will only run you $7 at the door. 

One more Muddy River show slated

The last Muddy River Concert Series for the summer will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 5-8:30 p.m. Promenade Park has been the setting throughout the the series, which has had an abundance of folks taking part each week. 

The series will conclude with performances by Swimming Into View and The Paper Heart. Come join the fun and enjoy food, beverages, and live music.

New comedy club announces big names 

The official grand opening date of the Summit City Comedy Club located in the former Snickerz building is Thursday, Nov. 11, when they welcome comedian Chris Porter

Other notable bookings include Pablo Francisco on Dec. 2-4, Bryan Callen on Jan. 13-15, Jay Mohr on Jan. 28 and 29, and Dave Attell on Feb. 18-20. 

To find a complete list of shows and to purchase tickets, go to summitcitycomedy.com. 

In addition, the club announced that people who purchases tickets in September will be entered in a drawing to win their choice of two tickets to every show in 2021 or a $100 gift card.