It has been almost two years since I was nestled in my seat at Mad Anthony Brewing waiting for the Middle Waves 2020 lineup reveal.
There were plenty of cheers throughout the establishment that evening when names like Cold War Kids, Big Boi, Ezra Furman, *repeat repeat, Addison Agen, and more were announced for the upcoming fest that was set to overrun the Electric Works campus.
Little did anyone know that a couple months later, the festival would be postponed due to COVID-19. And such was the case the following year as the pandemic crushed our hopes once again.
Fast forward to 2022, where Middle Waves organizers have announced the popular festival will indeed return on Friday-Saturday, June 17-18.
Hallelujah!
The two-day festival will feature an eclectic mix of more than 20 performers on two paid stages and one free stage. Festivalgoers will also get to experience interactive art, food trucks, a variety of beverages, and fun for all ages. In addition, this year’s installment will have a new home, the Foellinger Theatre campus in Franke Park.
How exactly will they use that area is something I am excited to see. Although we don’t know this year’s music lineup yet, tickets are on sale and can be purchased at MiddleWaves.com. Two-day general admission passes are $85 and two-day VVIP passes are $165. Might as well buy them now as prices will increase in early spring after the lineup is announced.
Also, if you are still holding on to tickets from the postponed 2020 festival, they will automatically transfer from Eventbrite to Ticketmaster in early February.
This will be the fourth Middle Waves festival.
Past performers include The Flaming Lips, MGMT, Dr. Dog, Lizzo, IDLES, among others.
Welcome back!
Voice contestant Harness to play in Angola
The Venue in Angola is set to host the talented Samuel Harness on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 9 p.m.
Harness, a Fort Wayne native, gained recognition with his appearance on Season 21 of NBC’s The Voice. He was selected by coach John Legend and his unique voice carried him to being a Top 20 contestant.
The 26-year-old is currently on the road with several dates booked throughout 2022. The doors at The Venue will open at 7 p.m., so plan accordingly since a full house is expected. There will be a $5 cover.
Chicago band bringing party to The Clyde
Once in a while you come across a band name that catches you eye or leaves you scratching your head. That was the case when I saw the announcement that The Clyde will host Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press on Saturday, March 5, at 8 p.m. See what I mean?
Turns out, they are Chicagoland’s favorite party band, entertaining crowds at clubs, festivals, weddings, and other events across the Midwest since 2008. Together, the band plays hits ranging from Hall & Oates to Taylor Swift, Queen to The Beatles, and Wilson Phillips to Elton John. You may even hear some off-the-wall choices from Les Miserables, The Golden Girls, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and classic Disney movies.
Advance tickets are $12 or get a four-pack of tickets for $40.
Buy them now at Clydetheatre.com, by calling (800) 514-3849, or at The Clyde box office, all Wooden Nickel Records locations, Neat Neat Neat Records, and Sweetwater Sound.
Fiddle, banjo group visiting Hop River
Another madcap band name is The Corn Potato String Band who are a trio of multi-instrumentalists dedicated to continuing the traditional fiddle and banjo music and dance of the central and southern U.S.
In addition to being champion fiddlers, they play banjo, guitar, bass, and mandolin and handle many different antiquated styles including ballads, hoedowns, country “rags,” and southern gospel.
You can see what The Corn Potato String Band is all about when they head to Hop River Brewing on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. Joining them will be our very own Debutants.
Out and About covers Northeast Indiana’s most interesting music and arts events. Send your announcements to info@whatzup.com.
