Music lovers looking for a night of entertainment need not look any further than a concert at the Embassy Theatre in downtown Fort Wayne. Down the Line is an annual show to benefit the historical Embassy Theatre. Now in its seventh year, Down the Line features local talent who cover music from famous bands across a wide variety of eras.

Several local bands are a part of a night of music for a good cause known as Down the Line, February 23 at 7 pm. The Embassy Theatre’s Down the Line: 7 Year Itch, presented by Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, will spotlight five seasoned local bands:

• Fawn Liebowitz performs Talking Heads
• The Orange Opera performs Billy Joel
• Lee Miles and the Illegitimate Sons performs Paul Simon
• Ty Causey performs Stevie Wonder
• Brother performs Journey

Lee Miles and the Illegitimate Sons are a local folk band slated to perform at Down the Line 7.

Tickets for this all-ages show on February 23 are $12 in advance and $15 the week of the show, on sale now at the Embassy Theatre box office, all other Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com.

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What’s better than watching the Super Bowl at home? Watching it at a bar packed with other fans, of course!

Fort Wayne offers a lot of options when it comes to entertainment options. Here are a few you might want to check out:

• Buckets: Sports Pub & Grub: Buckets, located on the southwest side of town, has excellent bar food as well as entrees that you would expect at a fancy sit down restaurant. Try a bucket of Chicken Wings, The Buckets Slam Dunk Basket, Onion, Bacon & Cheddar Burger, or even Buckets Baby Back Ribs. They have a family room, if you’re catering to a younger crowd.

• Wrigley Field Bar & Grill:  Visitors will appreciate the 56″ TVs, including 15 new high-definition ones.  We recommend their pizza. Be sure to arrive early to ensure a seat.

• Mitchell’s Sport Bar & Grill: This bar, located in the Marketplace of Canterbury, boasts 24 state-of-the-art TV’s! They’re menu is equally impressive, boasting everything from omelettes, to salads, to subs. They even have a kid’s menu!

• Chevvy’s: Chevvy’s is a popular stop for sports enthusiasts. Try the top ranked Diablo grinder, or any of their specialty pizzas, and you will be in for a treat. They also have karaoke several nights a week!

• Champion’s Sports Bar:  Check out one of downtown Fort Wayne’s newest restaurants. Their menu is impressive–everything from steak to a buffalo chicken salad. They also boast a good selection of bottles and draft options.  Their 30 HD TVs and NFL Sunday Ticket and ESPN Gameday gets you close to the action, offering a crisp picture and a state-of-the-art sound system. Insider’s Note: Champions offers free parking and is across the street from the Embassy Theatre.

So, regardless who wins the Super Bowl this year, consider yourself a winner if you visit any of these sports bars. Touchdown!

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There’s still time to plan a private, romantic evening to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Fort Wayne, Indiana with your significant other. A number of local restaurants here can help build the perfect mood to celebrate 2012 and ring in the New Year.

The following are top local favorites, well-known in the Northeast Indiana culinary scene and loved by locals. I’m naming them as my personal “Top 5 Romantic New Year’s Eve Dinner Spots in Fort Wayne.” Enjoy!

• Paula’s On Main: The eclectic feel here is a bit different but for the right couple, this Fort Wayne favorite will be appreciated. Enjoy seafood, steak and a full bar.
• Cork N’ Cleaver: Steak, seafood and prime rib are the main players at this local favorite. Located on the north side this one is worth the trip if you are staying downtown. Romantic dining at it’s best.

• Baker Street: From traditional American cuisine, to steak, greens and a flaming bananas foster for dessert. You are bound to find menu items to please your palate.

• Club Soda: Jazz, martinis and the rat pack live on here. Enjoy dining and drinking at this downtown favorite. Live entertainment most nights and specialty drinks.
• Chop’s: Steak and seafood take center stage here. Visit the southwest location and then afterward walk on over to the sister-establishment for post-dinner drinks at Chop’s Wine Bar.

Also, consider checking with the restaurant or establishment of your choice to learn about New Year’s specials and events! Plan on making your night out part of a romantic getaway or trip? You can do both. Visit the Romantic Winter Getaways section from Visit Fort Wayne to learn more!

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Consider it a hard rocker’s dream come true. The Embassy Theatre’s Down the Line: Hard Chord will spotlight five local hard rock bands performing the music that inspired them, Saturday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m.

The event is a win-win for the community. Hard rock fans can enjoy a great night of hard rock music at an affordable price. What’s more, the event provides a great opportunity for local bands to play the historic stage, while raising funds for the Embassy Theatre. So, what can fans expect at this concert?

Here, you will hear TOOL as performed by Autovator. This band melds styles and twists melodic impressions into something akin to the mayhem produced by putting jumper cables on your ear lobes. Kick back and enjoy Def Leppard songs as performed by  KillNancy. KillNancy was voted the best new performer in northeast Indiana by readers of “Whatzup.” KillNancy will take the stage to pay homage to a band that pioneered the metal music video on MTV.

I, Wombat is sure to wake up your ears. They local rock chameleons, ready to take on the horror-inspired lyrics of Black Sabbath. Next, covering grunge giant Alice in Chains is Kill the Rabbit, 2010 winner of “Whatzup’s” Battle of the Bands.  Last but not least, is Downstrait who will perform the blood spitting songs of KISS. They are considered to be a powerful and entertaining Fort Wayne rock group ready to bring its dramatic element and signature sound to the songs of KISS.

Tickets for this all-ages show on Dec. 29 are $10 in advance and $12 the week of the show, on sale now at the Embassy Theatre box office, all other Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com.

Built in 1928, the historic Embassy Theatre features national productions from the Broadway stage, concerts of all musical formats, cinema, educational programming and a continued commitment to young people.

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Tired of the bar scene for New Year’s? There are other options for New Year’s Eve entertainment in Fort Wayne. Ring in the New Year in one of Fort Wayne’s newest venues, The Philmore on Broadway. This historic theater was recently renovated for the enjoyment of the community.

inFLUX

Included in the New Year’s Eve package is music and dancing by Fort Wayne band inFLUX. They are sure to have everyone on their feet. A contagious blend of soul and energy, you are in for a treat.

While there, enjoy some complimentary appetizers, signature cocktails, and midnight champagne toast by Club Soda.

But there’s more! A few lucky guests will walk away with prize giveaways.

Group reservations and tables are available, as well as general admission. Guests can enjoy their loft (upstairs)   Tickets can be reserved online, or by phone.

Doors open at 7:30 pm; the performances starts at 9 pm. General admission is $25 in advance and $27 the day of the show.

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