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Turnstone has announced the contestants that will take the stage at The Clyde Theatre on Tuesday, June 3, to compete for $5,000 at Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show.
The fourth annual competition that showcases talent of all abilities will have 12 contestants with a panel of judges deciding who walks away with the grand prize.
This year’s contestants are pianist/vocalist Avery Mitchell, vocalist Conner Johnson, indie singer-songwriter Deeja, hip-hop dance troupe HayWire Dance Company, indie rock band Heaven’s Gateway Drugs, space rock band Humans Among Us, vocalist KC Ramone, floetry by Kyla J, aerialist Melissa Roberts, vocalist Nyiann Bennett, dancer Torion Pickett, and guitarist Willie Booger.
“Center Stage is a celebration of talent, creativity, and the power of an inclusive community,” said Rena Shown, Turnstone’s chief of development and strategic partnerships. “Each year, we are amazed by the passion and artistry on display, and we are honored to provide a platform where performers of all backgrounds and abilities can shine while also supporting Turnstone’s mission of empowerment.”
Tickets for Center Stage are $25 and are available at turnstone.org or by calling (260) 483-2100.
Past winners of the talent show are Los Galaxy, Sockie Phommachanh, and Ta’Korei Moore.
Michiana Wine Festival uncorks at Headwaters
The ninth annual Michiana Wine Festival will kick off the facility’s festival season Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, at Headwaters Park.
Things kick off Friday with the running of the Wine at the Line 5K at 7 p.m. at Headwaters Park. Registration will be available the day of the event at 6:30 p.m. Price is $40 and includes wine, a meat/cheese tray, fruit, and a sweet treat as well as a post-5K block party with live music.
The festival will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. the following day and include wine samples from Indiana wine vendors, a spring craft market, local food trucks, and live music at Headwaters Park. The first 2,000 people through the door will receive a #MWF2025 souvenir wine glass.
This event is for those 21 and older only. Pre-sale tickets range from $15 for the festival to $50 or $80 for VIP-tiered tickets, which include added features.
For more details and to buy tickets, go online to michianawinefestival.com/mwf2025.
Grants available for southeast art projects
Applications are open for the 2025 Community Connections: Southeast Arts Project Grants to provide funding to support arts and culture projects in southeast Fort Wayne.
Eligible projects include festivals, art, dance, music, theater classes, cultural celebrations, interactive arts experiences, and public art projects.
Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 to complete their project. For this year, this program has budgeted $50,000. Eligible expenses should directly relate to the arts and culture component of the project.
Applicants must live or be physically located in the southeast quadrant. This area includes all neighborhoods within the city limits east of Calhoun Street and south of the Maumee River. Resources and organizations outside of the southeast quadrant can be involved with a project but cannot apply on behalf of individuals or organizations that reside in that area of the city.
Eligible applicants include art collectives, businesses, churches, individuals, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and schools.
An application support session to learn more about the program will be available virtually Wednesday, April 9, at noon. An in-person will be held at the Pontiac branch of Allen County Public Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., on Monday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Applications are due Wednesday, April 30, by 5 p.m.
To learn more about the Community Connections grant guidelines and to register for an information session, go to artsunited.org/resources/grants.
Swing by The Clyde to aid Parton’s program
The Clyde Theatre has teamed up with Allen County Public Library to help fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Each Thursday throughout April, The Club Room at The Clyde Theatre’s Nashville Thursdays concert series will feature Carolyn Martin performing from 5:30-6:30 p.m. During her set, representatives from ACPL will be on hand to give information, help register children for the program, and collect donations. Following Martin’s set, other country acts will take the stage at 7 p.m.
More than 6,500 Allen County children have signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails a free, personalized, age-appropriate book to the child’s home each month until they are 5.
PFW names new marketing administrator
Ayn Reineke has been named marketing and public relations administrator in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Reineke most recently served as marketing and communications manager for the Purdue University College of Liberal Arts in West Lafayette. Reineke will be stepping into the position maintained by Susan Domer, who retires April 4 after 24 years with the college.
Ceramics Club hosting fundraiser
The Purdue University Fort Wayne Ceramics Club, in collaboration with advanced ceramics students, faculty, alumni, and area high schools, will host their Empty Bowls fundraiser in the International Ballroom in Walb Student Union on April 8, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Walb Union International Ballroom. A second event will be on April 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Artlink Gallery at the Auer Center for Arts and Culture.
Empty Bowls is a service-learning project where students create handcrafted bowls throughout the year.
By purchasing a bowl, attendees can enjoy a simple meal while making an impactful difference in the lives of PFW students facing food insecurity.
These unique bowls will be sold for $30 each and include a serving of soup, bread, drink, and a cookie.
Proceeds from the event will be split between the Ceramics Club and the Friends of the University Pantry.
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