Fort Wayne Insider Blog

When I moved to Fort Wayne from Ann Arbor, MI in 2015, I felt some trepidation. Most of my fellow graduates from the University of Michigan’s Master of Music program were moving to New York or Chicago, with their bustling arts communities; when I told them I was moving to Indiana to take a full-time singing position, they raised their eyebrows. Little did they--and I--know that I was walking into an arts goldmine.

The sounds of Fort Wayne, Indiana are in full swing this summer (and all year ‘round for that matter). We have an eclectic blend of venues and styles to suit any taste.

America's birthday is almost here, and what better way to spend the day than with food, friends and family, and of course, fireworks! A great fireworks show on the 4th of July has become a great tradition in Fort Wayne, and this year promises to not disappoint! Indiana Michigan Power Center in downtown Fort Wayne will put on a full display of light and colors sure to thrill the whole family!

It might still be chilly outside, but spring is in the air! (Or maybe that’s just my wishful thinking). There’s no denying that the days are getting longer, and as the frigid months come to an end, Fort Wayne’s music scene welcomes the thaw with beguiling harmonies and triumphant trills.

Here’s what I, as a professional musician and Fort Wayne resident, am most looking forward to this spring.

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic has a full season coming up for the 2017-2018 musical year. But how do you choose which concert to attend? And what can you expect from the different concert selections?

If you’re looking to plan a Fort Wayne getaway weekend,  consider planning your trip for February 25-26 when there is plenty to do for the whole family! Take a look at these events and see what’s going on in Fort Wayne.

I am a professional musician--I have a master’s degree in vocal performance--and yet, I’ve never know what a “pops concert” is...until now. Thanks to a 1984 New York Times article entitled, “‘Pops” vs. ‘Pop’: A Popular Linguistic Ambiguity,” I am now in the know. Here’s author Will Crutchfield’s definition:

“'Pops,'' though also derived from ''popular,'' is more narrowly defined [than “pop”]. It refers to what we call ''light classics'' and to popular music arranged for the standard ''classical'' symphony orchestra - the ''1812'' overture, Beatles medleys, Strauss waltzes, and Cole Porter for swooning strings.”

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is a full-time orchestra with a vibrant annual series. In addition to its resident players, they have a volunteer chorus and they often hire soloists to perform in larger works. I caught up with Orion Rapp, Principal Oboist at the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, to get the scoop on the rest of the 2016-2017 concerts.

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will be giving a series of Patriotic Pops concerts, including a special event here in Fort Wayne, at Parkview Field.

The Fort Wayne Patriotic Pops will begin at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, and will conclude with fireworks. Selections on the concert range from standard classics, like “Stars and Stripes Forever,” to newer works, such as “Gardens of Stone” by Indianapolis-based composer James Beckel.

The concert is free and open to the public. Gates (and concessions) open at 5 p.m., and the best seats are around home plate. Last year’s concert had more than 8,000 attendees, so you’ll definitely want to stake your claim to a seat early!

The weather in Fort Wayne is one thing that you, unfortunately, can't count on. We all hope for those perfect spring days, but we do need those gloomy rainy days to bring in the beauty of our area (isn't there a saying about that?)

If the weather isn't on our side, there is no reason to stay home; there are many things in Fort Wayne to do on rainy days. Here is a rainy day checklist you can use for all ages on those showery days.​