Riverfront Fort Wayne is providing another opportunity for folks to enjoy free outdoor music this summer. The Muddy Roots Concert Series will take place at Promenade Park on select Wednesdays from July through September from 5-8:30 p.m. 

The concert series is centered around the themes of heritage, culture, and connection. The shows will encompass the entire south side of the park with an urban cookout feel. In addition to two musical acts each night, there will be local vendors and organizations on site that will focus on activities and information about the history of our rivers and city. 

Artists set to perform are Jiant and Daily Driver on July 7, Light Steps and El Camino Hot Tub on July 21, The Wildwoods and Rosalind & The Way on Aug. 4, Ross Kinsey and Justin Bailey on Aug. 18, Distractions and The Tungstens on Sept. 1, Adam Baker & The Heartache and Debutants on Sept. 15, and Swimming Into View and The Paper Heart on Sept. 29. 

Now that’s a good blend of soul and R&B, funk, Americana, and alternative music. See you by the river!

A show with the O

The DeKalb Outdoor Theater is back in action and is set to host The Joey O Band on Friday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. You know the drill: bring a blanket or lawn chair and kickoff the weekend with free live music. It’s been a while since we have seen Mr. O on stage, so this is a must-see event. 

To hold you over until the show, you can check out the new video, “The Joey O Band 2021,” which he recently posted on YouTube. The video includes three songs from the band’s Still Dreaming CD and an array of photos from their 20-plus year career. 

Pop your collar and Tease your hair

If you’re bummed you didn’t get your money’s worth for the Members Only jacket or pair of leg warmers you got one time for a Halloween party, here is some good news. On Friday, July 16, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., the Parlor City Plaza in downtown Bluffton is hosting  an ’80s Block Party.

Pop your collar, tease that hair, and get ready for games for you and the kids, prizes and goodies, and food and snack options. There will be contests for Sharp Dressed Man, The Bigger the Hair, Best Pegged Jeans, and Best Mullet. 

As an added bonus, Completely Unchained: A Van Halen Tribute will be playing just up the street at Kehoe Park from 8-10 p.m.

Rap with Andy D

A Brass Rail favorite and Middle Waves alumnus, Andy D will return to town on Friday, July 16, at 9:30 p.m. to take over the Brass Rail stage once again. The rapper extraordinaire has built quite the reputation with his crazed, sweat-filled live shows. 

If you are into wild ’80s fashion, Viking getup, and lengthy high-speed raps, Andy D is for you. You never know what you’ll get from the Indianapolis native. 

Joining the fun that evening will be The Bride of Dreams and our own Slug Love. There will be a $10 cover at the door.