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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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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ACT NOW!
AS OF PRESS TIME, ONLY A FEW SINGLE SEATS REMAIN FOR THIS SOON-TO-BE SOLD OUT SHOW!

Fort Wayne’s War Memorial Coliseum continues to feature the best that popular country music has to offer. If you missed Jason Aldean or Zac Brown you can make up for it by catching country music star Carrie Underwood. On April 14, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. the coliseum will be rocking to the sounds of five-time Grammy winner. Ms. Underwood is touring in support of her fourth studio album, Blown Away.

Blown Away features fourteen new songs ranging from the rocking anthem “Good Girl” to the message piece “Blown Away,” as well as tropical tunes such as “One Way Ticket.” This album is characterized the singer’s most “ambitious.”

Ms. Underwood has sold more than 15 million albums and is known for her talented vocals and high energy performances. Her awards are many and include three Country Music Association female vocalists awards, the two Academy of Country Music entertainer of the year trophies, and she is a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The tour also features Hunter Hayes whose tune “Somebody’s Heartbreak” is moving up the Billboard Hot 100 country music chart. Mr. Hayes was the Country Music Associations’ best new artist in 2012.

Get your tickets and cowboy boots ready for an evening of country music at its best! Visit www.ticketmaster.com to snag one of those few remaining seats!

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Get ready to let your hair down and take your shoes off. The artist known for his laid-back, summertime-loving anthems returns to Fort Wayne, Indiana once again this spring. The one and only country music star — Kenny Chesney.

Chesney brings his “No Shoes Nation Tour” to the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Thursday, May 16. The show includes special guests the Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves.

Showtime is 7 p.m. Chesney’s tours are incredibly popular and most of his shows do sell out! Don’t hesitate to buy tickets now for the best seats available! Tickets start at $25 each and go up to $79.50 each, depending on seating. They can be purchased in person at the Memorial Coliseum Ticket Office or online via Ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

Chesney’s national tour kicked off this week in Florida and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Due to the popularity of Chesney’s shows they are only held at very large venues. Fort Wayne is fortunate to be one of the few chosen cities for this 2013 tour! The Memorial Coliseum and box office are located at 4000 Parnell Avenue on the city’s northside. For more information call 260.482.9502.

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It can be overwhelming to move to a new city, and meet new friends. Luckily there is an easy way to break out of your shell. Think a fun and low-pressure environment, in the form of a group of young professionals.

In Fort Wayne, that group is known as YLNI: Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana. YLNI serves “to develop our young professionals into leaders, provide ample opportunities for them to socialize and network, and keep them from leaving the region. We focus on three core endeavors: community growth & development, volunteering & involvement, and personal & professional development.”

So, what does this look like? The group’s mission can be broken down into a few areas of focus: civic, social, networking, and professional development.

Civic activities include the creation and execution of a summer farmers market – Barr Street Market - and other miscellaneous projects throughout the year.

The annual YLNI Masquerade Ball is a great way to meet new people, while ringing in the New Year.

On the social end, the group hosts monthly socials at restaurants/bars. These “Hot Spots” are a great way to meet new people in a relaxed setting. Order a drink and network with some of the most plugged in young professionals in town. YLNI also hosts an annual Masquerade Ball New Year’s Eve.

Professional development opportunities include lunches with senior executives and a leadership development series known as the YLNI Leadership Institute. There is also an initiative focused on how to become a good board member.

So, what do you have to lose? Contact YLNI today, and make the most of your relocation to the region!

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