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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How do you know it’s summer in Fort Wayne?  Everyone’s eating outdoors!

With a winter that seemed to drag on a bit long, Fort Wayne locals are ready to be outside enjoying the sun and the warm weather.  Many local restaurants help diners enjoy the beautiful weather by offering outdoor treats and entertainment throughout the summer.  We’ve got the inside scoop on where to enjoy good weather and great food.

One of the most popular spots to dine al fresco is The Deck at Don Hall’s Gas House. Located on the river just behind the restaurant, The Deck offers casual dining at it’s best. With many of the great menu options from the restaurant, a tiki style bar, and the city’s only riverside dining you’re sure to relax and enjoy a casual evening with friends and family (the restaurant side of the deck is family friendly).  Located right off the Rivergreenway, it’s a great stop after a long bike ride or walk on the trails.

Treat yourself to garbage for breakfast (yes, garbage) at Cindy’s Diner on the corner of Wayne and Harrison Streets in downtown Fort Wayne.  “Garbage” is a blend of eggs, potatoes, cheese, onions, and ham cooked up to equal yummy goodness. If you can’t find a seat at the counter, grab a seat at the picnic benches outside and enjoy your breakfast and coffee.  Cindy’s also offers a lunch menu that is sure to please the heartiest of appetites.

Looking for a cool treat at the end of a hot day?  Check out Zesto’s ice cream stand.  Known for their sweet treats, the opening of Zesto’s is a sign that spring is officially here for Fort Wayne locals.  The walk up ice-cream shop will give you the vintage feel of enjoying ice cream the way it was intended, sitting on the curb chatting with your neighbors.  That’s right; locals eat their ice cream while sitting on the curb around the parking lot.  It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors!

Looking for great Mexican food?  Then you’ll enjoy an outdoor Fiesta at El Azteca on East State Street.  With a complete bar boasting over 100 tequilas, you’re sure to get a margarita that will cool you off and quench your thirst.  Their traditional menu is loved by locals as well.  Have a seat on the patio and enjoy!

Speaking of cocktails, check out the outdoor dining options at Club Soda.  Whether you’re just enjoying one of their legendary martinis or you’re having dinner you’ll love the patio.  It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two under the stars.  The full menu is available to diners dining on both the upstairs and downstairs patio.  Not a fan of the sun?  Enjoy the upstairs covered deck to get out of the sun.

If a pint is more your thing, stop by JK O’Donnell’s for a Guinness and fish and chips. Their authentic Irish menu is sure to please.  The patio is located right on Wayne Street in downtown Fort Wayne, making it a great to socialize with passersby as well as your dinner companions.  You’ll also want to try their array of Irish whiskies and mixed drinks.  They’re sure to please!

These are just a few of our favorites – let us know if you have any that we should add to our list!

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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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This post is one in a series of Fort Wayne’s favorite celebrities: the Bad Apple Dancers! Click here to meet the rest of the bunch!

Tyler Baker, a Bad Apple Dancer for the Tin Caps.

Hopefully you’re making plans to attend a Tin Caps baseball game this summer. In case you need more incentive, here are some personal answers from Tyler Baker, one of the team’s famous Bad Apple Dancers, about his favorite likes of Fort Wayne.

Hometown/State:  Columbia City, Indiana

Years working for the Tin Caps:  2013 will be my 5^th year with the organization and my 4^th as a Bad Apple Dancer.

1. Favorite Fort Wayne restaurant: Ziffles Rib Bar
2. Favorite place to relax in Fort Wayne: This usually involves my making a trip to Lowe’s to get supplies for projects around the house.
3. Favorite thing to do in Fort Wayne—other than dance on Parkview Field: Anything that involves spending time with my new wife.
4. Favorite store/shop:  I’m not really sure. I like to spread my money around to everyone in the economy!
5. Favorite Fort Wayne park:  Lakeside Park
6. Favorite Fort Wayne summer festival:  RibFest
7. Favorite place to go for a burger and fries in Fort Wayne:  Don Hall’s Big Buster
8. Favorite concert venue in Fort Wayne:  The Embassy
9. Favorite place to go for ice cream in Fort Wayne:  Atz’s
10. What do you like most about Fort Wayne?  I enjoy the small town feel even though Fort Wayne is a big city.

To order tickets for Fort Wayne TinCaps Baseball at Parkview Field call 260.482.6400 or learn more here.

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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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