Down the Line 16 will be making its return to Embassy Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
It is the time of year when a handful of local elites pay respect to the iconic artists in the music world who inspire them. The theme for this year’s installment, “Back to the 80s.”
Taking the stage that evening will be Addison Agen covering Cyndi Lauper, Debutants performing the hits of Talking Heads, U.R.B. tackling the biggest hits of Prince, and Good Night Gracie paying homage to Michael Jackson.
“I’ve wanted to do a Down the Line for a while and when they asked I jumped at the opportunity,” U.R.B. frontman Dave P said. “We have all been into Prince for years, so when the option came up it was a no-brainer for us. Gonna be a fun night for sure!”
With Dave P. at the helm, one can only imagine what we are in for.
As for Debutants, when asked about how the bluegrass outfit chose Talking Heads, “Jon (Swain) and I love them, and we’ve been wanting to do a Talking Heads set for a while. Down the Line wanted to see it as well and kindly accommodated us,” vocalist/mandolinist Lynn Nicholson said.
What sort of spin will they put on Talking Heads’ hits is something I am eager to see.
General admission tickets are on sale for a low dough $20. They can be purchased at fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com, the STAR Bank box office at the Embassy, or by calling (260) 424-5665.
Gov’t Mule coming to The Clyde
Clyde Theatre has announced the return of Gov’t Mule on Tuesday, April 19, at 8 p.m.
Led by visionary Grammy Award-winning artist and guitar legend Warren Haynes, the enduring, globally revered Gov’t Mule has showcased their intelligence and breadth over the course of more than 20 studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances and millions of album and track sales.
General admission tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at Clydetheatre.com, by calling (800) 514-3849, The Clyde box office, all Wooden Nickel Records locations, Neat Neat Neat Records, and Sweetwater Sound.
Jazz jam sessions at The Ruin
The talented Phil Schurger is set to host a jazz jam session on Tuesday evenings at The Ruin.
“I’ve felt for a long time that Fort Wayne is lacking in a solid jazz community and forum where players can work on their skills and have a regular outlet that is strictly about the music,” the guitarist said.
The jam sessions are open to all ages and if you have been wanting an opportunity to play standards, work through tunes with others, or simply play somewhere other than your couch, then come on down. Schurger will be accompanied by Orey Hamrick on drums and Josh Wright on bass and they just need you to bring your instrument and get ready to work on developing your playing.
The jams will run from 8-11 p.m., and as of right now, will be biweekly, but in the future will be weekly. The next one will be Feb. 15.
Bands sought for Muddy River series
In a calling to all local bands, the Muddy River Concert Series is booking acts for the upcoming summer months. The series will take place Wednesday evenings from June to August alongside the St. Marys River at Promenade Park. It doesn’t matter if you play jazz, punk, Americana, or R&B, they are looking for all genres to take part in the fun.
If interested, email jacqueline.hicks@cityoffortwayne.org and include a link to your band’s website.
Live the legacy of Kenny Rogers in Wabash
On March 20, it will be two years since the great Kenny Rogers passed away at the age of 81.
The gritty voice behind a number of ’70s and ’80s pop and country hits sold more than 120 million albums worldwide.
Carrying on the legacy is The Gambler Returns: The Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute led by award-winning recording artist Alan Turner.
This musical journey spans more than six decades of hits including “Islands in the Stream,” “Lucille,” “Lady,” “The Gambler,” and more.
If you are a passionate Rogers fan, make sure and check this band out when they roll into the Eagles Theatre on Thursday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. Get your tickets via honeywellarts.org.
