Exciting news: the Rock the Plaza concert series returning in August. Originally announced as being canceled this summer due to COVID-19, the Allen County Public Library reconsidered and is bringing back the popular event for a three-week run beginning on Aug. 14. 

These free concerts are held on the lawn of the downtown library on Saturday evenings from 6-10 p.m. and include live local music and food available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs, and snacks. 

Performing under the shell on Aug. 14 are El Camino Hot Tub, Justin Bailey, Sunny Taylor Band, and The Illegals. On Aug. 21 are Morning After, The Harp Condition, Alicia Pyle Quartet, and Accidental Blues Band. And on Aug. 28 are Strange Waters, Catfish Dave P, Debutants, and Fort Wayne Funk Orchestra

As an added bonus, Aug. 14 and 28 are both TinCaps fireworks nights, which makes for a great backdrop while taking in the music. 

StoneyFest Raises funds to fight cancer

The annual StoneyFest will take place at the Sweetwater Pavilion on Saturday, July 24, from 2-5 p.m. 

The event benefits the Aaron M. Stone Memorial Fund, which was created to honor the memory of Aaron Stone who passed away in 2017 at only 18 years old after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a musician and a veteran of Sweetwater’s Rock Camp. 

This year’s StoneyFest will feature food trucks, a silent auction, activities for the kids, and live music by Brian Lemert Trio, U.R.B., and HomeBy10

Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated. All proceeds will go toward the Aaron M. Stone Memorial Fund whose mission is to provide music to youth and support families of children with cancer.

Kofi Baker comes to baker street 

Did you happen to see the recent concert announcement from Baker Street Centre? Well, it’s a good one! 

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the venue welcomes Kofi Baker’s Psychedelic Trip. As the son of legendary Cream drummer Ginger Baker, Kofi Baker lives up to the Baker legacy with his outstanding skills, drive, and dedication. 

This three-man ensemble celebrates classic cuts from the late ’60s and ’70s, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Blind Faith, and, of course, topped with a serving of Cream. All together, the show is a groovy trip back through rock n’ roll history. Tickets for Kofi Baker’s Psychedelic Trip are available now via Etix.com. 

Go See Gojira

A few days ago, it was announced that the Deftones and Gojira pushed their U.S. tour back to 2022 due to uncertainties related to COVID-19 in different markets throughout the country. 

That decision appears to have worked in our favor because Gojira will still be doing some dates, with Fort Wayne being one of them. 

On Sunday, Nov. 7, the Clyde Theatre will welcome the French metal titans along with Knocked Loose and Alien Weaponry. This is a big addition to the Clyde lineup and a perfect opportunity to witness one of modern metal’s most talked about and revered bands. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 16, at 10 a.m. online at clydetheatre.com, by phone at (800) 514-3849, at the Clyde box office, all three Wooden Nickel locations, Neat Neat Neat Records, and Sweetwater Sound.