Here we are at the start of a new year. Time to take stock in the last year and set goals for the next one. Included in my aspirations for this year is a healthy dose of entertainment out and about in Fort Wayne and the whole region. 

The new year is already showing promise with a number of high-caliber acts already booked at The Clyde Theatre, The Embassy Theatre, The Honeywell Center, and the Niswonger in Van Wert. Before we know it, we’ll be hearing lineups for the Foellinger Theatre, Sweetwater Pavilion, Three Rivers Festival, and Middle Waves. That’s not to mention the shows already booked and yet to come for venues such as C2G Music Hall, The Ruin, The Brass Rail, and more. 

You should jump at this

Did you see that rock icon David Lee Roth has been announced as the opener when Kiss brings the “End of the Road” farewell tour to town on Sunday, Feb. 16? If you’ve been on the fence about attending the show, this should end the debate. 

Roth will open for them at 43 North American shows between February and October. I was trying to recall the last time Roth was here and it may have been in 2003 when he performed at the Three Rivers Festival. He was due to perform at the Coliseum with Van Halen in July of 2012 until the band suddenly postponed the remaining “A Different Kind of Truth” tour dates. In any event, we’re long overdue for some Roth love. See you there! 

New music from Minnick

The very talented local singer-songwriter Grace Minnick recently made a video for her song “Eyes” which comes off her recent album Mostly Home. 

Minnick and videographer Brian Boucher captured this wonderful piece on the banks of Lake Erie and is truly a must see. You can find the video on YouTube or at graceminnickmusic.com. 

If you enjoy it as much as I did, be sure to snag a copy of the new disc at Wooden Nickel, Neat Neat Neat Records, on her website, or at one of her shows. As of press time, she has no shows booked but I’m certain that will change soon. Great work, Grace! 

Young Country Star at the embassy

On Thursday, March 5, the Embassy Theatre welcomes the multi-platinum-selling country star Scott McCreery to the big stage. 

After winning American Idol in 2011, McCreery made history when he became the youngest male artist of any genre, and the first country music artist ever, to have his debut album enter at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. McCreery is now on his fourth release, Seasons Change, and remains as hot as ever. 

Tickets for this show are currently on sale but I wouldn’t wait too long.