Women (and quite a few men) became addicted to the life and love of Ms. Steel and the unforgettable Christian Grey in the best selling novel, 50 Shades of Grey. While casting rumors for the movie are as frequent as Mr. Grey’s silver ties, the Embassy Theatre is one step ahead, bringing you “Spank! The Fifty Shades Parody.”

Called “Utterly Hilarious” by FAB Magazine and “A hilarious satire of practically every trope in popular culture” by Chicago Public Radio, “Spank!” is guaranteed to be a laugh out loud good time whether you’ve read the books or not.  With scenes and lines playing out very close to the book it’s hard to imagine a sense of humor about it all.  However, reviewers like Margaret Quamee from the Columbus Dispatch says, “it’s cheerful bawdiness satisfied a clearly receptive audience.”

So who should check out “Spank!” when it comes to the Embassy Theatre on June 11? Fans of the books are sure to enjoy the comedic take on the series.  Those who like a little more “adult” humor and fun will likely enjoy it too.  The show promises fun musical numbers, a sexy leading man, sexy striptease performances, and razor sharp comedy. So why not make a night of it?

It’s the perfect event for a Girls Night Out event with all of the friends you shared the book with. Start with martinis at Club Soda or dinner at the Oyster Bar before heading out to the show.  Of course, sneaking out of the office for the afternoon and enjoying some spa time at Massage Envy or Woodhouse Day Spa with before heading to dinner and the show will make for the ultimate girls day!  Doors will open at 6:30 for pre-show cocktails including a specialty SPANK! Cocktail.

Have you always wondered what it would be like to be with Mr. Grey? This is your chance to stay after the show and meet the cast. Get your picture with Mr. Dangerous himself as a keepsake.

Tickets are on sale now at the Embassy Threatre Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.  Tickets are $35 per person.

OR, YOU CAN REGISTER TO WIN TICKETS BY ENTERING HERE!

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Hey, all you country music lovers! Mark your calendars for May 31, 2013, when country music legend Loretta Lynn will appear in concert at the Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Best known for her 1970 hit record, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Lynn’s music has consistently earned more than 50 of the Top Ten songs throughout her career. Her rags-to-riches autobiography, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” made the New York Times’ bestseller list, and subsequently became an Academy Award winning movie.

Lynn also appeared on the cover of Newsweek in 1973 when her hit song “Dear Uncle Sam” was one of the first musical venues for protesting the Vietnam War.

The mega-star will be opened by Holly Williams, a singer-songwriter and the granddaughter of Hank Williams, Sr. and the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. Williams recently toured with Keith Urban, Billy Bob Thornton, Jewel, Train and other musicians and her latest album – “The Highway” – includes backup singing by Dierks Bentley, Jackson Browne and Jakob Dylan.

Tickets for the concert which will begin at 8 p.m. can be purchased at the Embassy box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or at Ticketmaster locations (www.ticketmaster.com) or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices will range from $39-69, with a limit of 10 tickets per person, and a restricted number of VIP tickets will go for $103.

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Give me a head with hair, long beautiful hair…

Although those lyrics are from a song in the 1960s, our obsession with hair has not faded with the ages. One hairstyle in particular–the afro–has gained much attention for its social and cultural association.

Locally, Fort Wayne Museum of Art’s exhibit Afros: A Celebration of Natural Hair chronicles this trend in American culture.  The story behind the exhibit is perhaps as interesting as the art itself. Over five years, photographer Michael July approached a variety of individuals and asked them to participate as subject models for a volume he was creating to chronicle the evolution of the Afro in America. He was able to capture the “creme de la creme” of Afros as worn by people of virtually every shade, ethnicity, country and age group. This exhibition shows pictorially the power, beauty and glorious nature of the ‘Fro and tells the deeper “hairstory” of each of its models. This exhibition, inspired by the original book, captures the spirit and essence of the Afro today and pays homage to the historic significance of natural hair iconic voyagers.

Michael July’s book AFROS: A Celebration of Natural Hair is  for sale in the FWMoA’s Paradigm Gallery  for $44.95.

You can catch this exhibit at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art until June 9th. Gallery hours are: Sunday, 12 – 5 pm; Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6pm, and Thursday 10am – 8 pm. The galleries are closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $12 for families. Insider’s Tip: Enjoy free admission every Thursday from 5-8pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm.

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Germanfest is the unofficial kickoff of Fort Wayne’s summer festival season. The week long celebration is a celebration of Essen, Trinken, und Gemutlichkeit (“Eating, drinking, and having a really good time”!) While Fort Wayne residents and visitors alike love to do all three, the festival also celebrates the German heritage many Fort Wayne residents share.  Fort Wayne is often be referred to as “A Most German City” because of its strong German ancestry.

The festival, which began in 1981, will take place June 2-9 at Headwaters Park in downtown Fort Wayne.

Throughout the week several events will take place that you don’t want to miss.  The Beer Stein Relay Race (you know you want to try it) gives you the opportunity to combine your love of running, friends, and beer on Friday night. Be sure to bring your camera and your sense of humor.

Want to embrace your inner Lucy Ricardo? Then check out the Trauben Tromp (Grape Stomp) on Saturday June 9. Grab three friends and prepare to stomp over 300 pounds of grapes.

After you’ve stomped all of those grapes, why not learn to polka? Patrick Didier and the American Styles Ballroom Dance Studio will be giving free lessons in the Germanfest Festival Pavilion.  Traditional German bands will play throughout the week as well.

Did we mention the food?  Be sure to bring your appetite when you come to Germanfest.  Traditional German food and beverages will be available for your enjoyment as well!

Germanfest opens at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday June 5 with admission of $2 from 2:00-5:00 and $5 admission after 5 p.m.  Minors must be accompanied by parents.  No one under 21 permitted after 9:30 p.m.  Parking is available in the city lot next to Headwaters Park.

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The unofficial kick off of summer, Memorial Day weekend, is right around the corner.  You’re planning to enjoy a little time away from work, celebrating what it means to be an American.  Bring on the brats, beverages, and burgers! In between those cookouts we have some great events for you to check out that weekend.

Start your holiday weekend a little early with these events on Friday:

“Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles” at Foellinger Outdoor Theater.  You’ll be singing along with your favorite hits like “Get over it”, “Take it Easy” and “Hotel California”.  Tickets are just $13.

Tincaps take on South Bend Silver Hawks.  Go for the game and stay for the fireworks that light up the downtown sky. The first pitch will be thrown at 7:05 at Parkview Field.  Tickets start at $5.

“Wild Minds: What Animals Really Think” will give you and your kids insight into what your pets are thinking. This exhibit takes place at Science Central and runs from April 19 – September 8.  Admission starts at $7.

Enjoy the first day of your long weekend with these events on Saturday:

Fort4Fitness CycleFest provides a family-friendly environment for bicycle riders to enjoy the sights of Fort Wayne. Events will start from One Summit Square and will offer 3 different distances for riders to choose from.  Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 7-12.

Take in the arts with exhibits at various museums and galleries around Fort Wayne.  The 33^rd Annual National Print Exhibition and the HALO Project and Ceramic Wall Work exhibit will both take place at Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery.  Additional exhibits include Live2Love at Northside Galleries and Afros: A Celebration of Natural Hair by Michael July at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Honor our troops and veterans at the Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day (ARMAD) “A Tribute to Those Who Serve” at Parkview Memorial Regional Hospital Park.  The event will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  The public is welcome

If you’re not exhausted from Friday and Saturday, check out these events on Sunday:

Butterflies with an African Beat is at the Botanical Conservatory.  This event runs from April 13-June 7 and is sure to mesmerize visitors.  Admission starts at $3

And of course, be sure to celebrate Memorial Day with a Parade on Monday.

The Memorial Day parade and Ceremony will begin at the corner of State and Parnell at approximately 11 a.m. and end at the Coliseum.  Enjoy this great parade and honor those who have served our great country.

For information on these events, and many more, please check out our detailed Calendar of Events online!

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