WBOI Artcentric
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingWBOI's Julia Meek has contributed to 89.1 WBOI on- and off-air for over thirty years. Now, her arts and culture reporting can be heard for the first time as a podcast available wherever podcasts are found. Look for WBOI Artcentric.
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Episodes
Past, present & future South Side Archers celebrate 100th Anniversary with iconic musical
April 29, 2022 21:57 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBFort Wayne’s South Side High School is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with a special multigenerational production of Meredith Wilson’s play, The Music Man, which opens this Friday evening. Drawing on his own memories of the school’s focus on the fine arts, theater teacher Kirby Volz (South Side graduating class of 1976) wanted to find, “as many people who could participate in the show as possible.” To that end, he connected with other alumni and recruited younger students from the system’s...
Photo Exhibit puts inspiring Fort Wayne women & their stories in focus
April 29, 2022 21:56 - 17 minutes - 15 MBCreative Women of the World is celebrating Women’s History Month with a special photo exhibit called “Women Are…” The body of work features 39 portraits of women and their stories, showcasing their challenges, passion and achievements plus the diversity they bring to the community. WBOI’s Julia Meek spoke with project photographer, Jenni Vorderman, and Mary Encabo-Bischoff, an educator and one of the featured subjects, about the scope and message of the exhibit and how it reflects the organiz...
Philharmonic members share message of hope through their Russian and Ukrainian roots & the universal language of music
April 29, 2022 21:54 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBFort Wayne Philharmonic violinist & Associate Concertmaster, Yana Bourkova-Morunov, and pianist Alexander Klepach share a special friendship and deep musical passion through their Russian and Ukrainian roots. For their reflections on the brewing situation in their motherlands and the special concerts they are preparing to perform that feature the music of Sergei Prokofiev, a Russian composer, born in Ukraine, WBOI’s Julia Meek talks with them about how this powerful connection provides hope f...
Local creative discovers his niche in the world of Augmented Reality
April 29, 2022 21:53 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBTamar Tyler has brought his superhero comic book character, HQ, to life by way of an animated series called Swaggatrons. His fascination with comics began when he was young, Tamar admits, and has grown into a multi-media passion that has taken on a life of its own. WBOI’s Julia Meek talks with Tyler about the process, and what to expect in the Augmented Reality “multiverse” of Swaggville. You can connect with HQ the producer at the Swaggatrons website. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBO...
Community advocate sparks new energy from Calhoun Street location
April 29, 2022 21:50 - 15 minutes - 12.7 MBAs social advocate and activist Foundation One continues to engage with his community on the city’s south side, his base of operations has moved down the block. From his unique platform at the Unity Barber Shop, a six-chair business at 921 E. Pontiac Street, Foundation brought a barber’s pole, a single chair and his well-known message of hope and peace to a small space in the nearby Penta C.S. Group Minority Entrepreneurial Center located at 2531 South Calhoun Street. WBOI’s Julia Meek talks ...
Community Photo Project develops city portrait one square at a time
April 29, 2022 21:16 - 15 minutes - 13.6 MBTen years have passed since local creatives launched the Fort Wayne 1X1 Community Photo Project. The purpose, explained by two of the project’s coordinators, Cara Lee Wade and Teresa Stephens, was to document our fair city, one square at a time. And now it’s time to see how things have changed. To that end, individuals are invited to join in the photographing of the same randomly picked squares, using their preferred photographic style and medium between now and September. WBOI’s Julia Meek s...
Feature-length Love: How romance movies continue to steal hearts and sweeten the season
February 17, 2022 22:16 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBLove is in the air world round, this Valentine’s Day weekend, and for many, it's the perfect time to brush off those special songs, dinners and romantic movies that have come to be known as “our favorite.” In the celebratory spirit of the holiday, Arts & Culture reporter Julia Meek sat down with Rob Martinez, host of WBOI’s Movie Music Spotlight to discuss the perennial popularity of the Romance film, the evolution of the genre and its future in the movie industry. WBOI Artcentric is brought ...
New GM’s passion generates fresh energy and community connections for WBOI
February 17, 2022 22:15 - 17 minutes - 15.1 MBWith one week on the job completed, WBOI’s new GM, Terra Brantley, is fast building momentum and strengthening community connections. Bringing along an agenda that promises more of a focus on local coverage and engagement, she has produced a series of 30-second vignettes that will air on WBOI at various times daily throughout February in honor of Black History Month. Here WBOI’s Julia Meek discusses this project with Terra, her passion for public radio and what’s in store for the future. WBOI...
HUB260 Day Weekend celebrates what’s spectacular about Northeast Indiana
February 02, 2022 23:18 - 15 minutes - 12.8 MBNortheast Indiana’s HUB260 Day Weekend is happening this Saturday and Sunday, February 5th & 6th, across Northeast Indiana. Like the area code it represents, this family friendly, self-guided event encompasses many small businesses and arts organizations in Fort Wayne and Allen County, and surrounding communities from Angola and Auburn to Huntington and Wabash. This grassroots initiative is designed to encourage and strengthen the sense of place that makes the region special and unique to its...
Allen County Together: Aggressive 10-year plan has community ready to ACT
January 21, 2022 21:32 - 16 minutes - 14.2 MBGreater Fort Wayne Inc. has unveiled an aggressive 10-year economic development action plan for the entire community. Called “Allen County Together,” the plan challenges us to build a community that’s more high-growth, innovative and inclusive. Each of these characteristics is underpinned by three “bold projects” with high yield goals and initiatives. As the Number One fastest growing metro area in the Great Lakes region, Fort Wayne is ranked in the top 25% of metros nationally. WBOI’s Julia ...
2021: A Year of Artcentricity in Review
January 19, 2022 21:47 - 21 minutes - 18.3 MBFort Wayne’s art scene flourished nicely in 2021 as it continued to reinvent and energize itself amid continuing Covid-related challenges. The community welcomed the return of live, in-person seasons and programs as well as an explosion of public art. Cultural District designations were awarded by both the City Council and the State of Indiana while plans for the Arts United Center are being firmed up to make it fully accessible, technologically equipped and functional for the 21st century. F...
Historic Photo Exhibit Portrays Last Images of Native American Spirit
January 10, 2022 23:23 - 13 minutes - 11.6 MBThe Garrett Museum of Art is getting ready to host a monumental exhibit of historic work by American photographer Edward Curtis. The collection, on loan from a private collection in California, features over 70 of his original photos of the native American people in their surroundings. In 1900, Curtis, then 32, gave up his portrait photography business to pursue what he called his “Great Idea,” which was to capture on film the very last of Native American ways & customs before their lifestyle...
Voices raised to celebrate 20 years of Unity Performing Arts Foundation
December 31, 2021 20:30 - 19 minutes - 5.13 MBFort Wayne’s Unity Performing Arts Foundation is celebrating its 20th season this coming year as it develops plans to go forward with former students now in key leadership positions. What began as a dream for its founder & CEO, Marshall White, in the early 1990’s became a platform for area youth who were underexposed to the arts to be able to enjoy the music of their time. This quickly evolved, he explains, “into a full blown character and leadership development concept, connecting them to on...
East Wayne Street Center provides hope through education
December 29, 2021 21:26 - 16 minutes - 14 MBThe East Wayne Street Center has focused on providing self-sufficiency for underserved populations in Fort Wayne for 56 years. The Center focuses on improving the overall living conditions of impoverished households by stabilizing the home environment, addressing the environmental impediments, and paving the pathway to self-sufficiency with education. BrightPoint Head Start, the city’s 1st head start facility is also housed at the Center, along with the EWSC Food Bank. WBOI’s Julia Meek met w...
PFW amplifies the power of music therapy
December 20, 2021 20:11 - 15 minutes - 13.2 MBPurdue Fort Wayne is addressing the increase in music therapy needs and uses as well as populations being served with impactful community-focused projects and a new masters of music therapy program. With forty years in the profession, PFW’s clinical instructor, Eileen Garwood is quick to point out that projects designed to promote healing of all sorts, including recovery from addiction, will support those in need as well as their families and impart hope and acceptance along the journey. For ...
Youtheatre brings “Elf Awareness” to light
December 08, 2021 20:12 - 16 minutes - 14.3 MBFort Wayne Youth Theatre is ready to spread the holiday cheer with its premiere of the classic movie-turned-musical, Elf Junior, which opens this Friday at First Pres Theatre. The engaging production boasts a cast of forty young talents, the company’s largest musical cast to date, and as the latest addition to its permanent repertoire, promises to make new Christmas memories for the whole family, according to director Christopher Murphy. For a sneak peek at what’s in store, WBOI’S Julia Meek...
"The Reporter" scoops a look at Fort Wayne in the '70's
December 02, 2021 21:39 - 15 minutes - 12.6 MBFort Wayne trial attorney Mark Paul Smith has published a new autobiographical novel, this time chronicling his life as a young reporter at the Journal Gazette in the 1970's. His book, aptly called "The Reporter," provides a walk down memory lane for Boomers, and an entertaining insight into that era for younger generations and non-native residents. So much of the action takes place in the iconic downtown restaurant, Henry's, that Mark considers it to be a main character in the story. For in...
Women's Fund Director focuses on youth through community centered lens
November 11, 2021 21:51 - 14 minutes - 12.1 MBFort Wayne native Cassie Beer has been busy directing the city's newly formed Women's Fund since August. From this position, Beer has been excited to tackle the major endeavors unearthed in an eighteen month, county-wide comprehensive study. For an update on the organization's ongoing plans and progress, WBOI's Julia Meek invited Cassie into the studio to discuss the major initiatives underway, the connections being formed and what that means for the entire community. WBOI Artcentric is broug...
Holiday Theater Choices: Make Mine Macbeth
November 11, 2021 21:50 - 13 minutes - 16.1 MBIf you're in the mood for a live theatrical performance that's decidedly not holiday fare, Shakespearemachine's Macbeth opens, promising a new and creative take on one of the Bard's most popular tragedies. For a sneak peek at what's in store for theater goers, WBOI's Julia Meek talked with artistic director, Nick Tash, and Chance Parker, the play's lead actor, about the niche the company is filling in the community, this particular choice of offerings, and the fine points of their production....
Monsters, ghosts, and phantoms: A Storytelling Breakdown of Halloween cinema
November 11, 2021 21:48 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBWith Halloween on the near horizon, there's nothing like an iconic scary movie to spooktacularly enhance that holiday mood. But since cinematic offerings, even horror titles, come in all shapes and sizes and span more than a century of development, it may be frightfully difficult to separate the tricks from the treats when deciding just how terrorific one's film picks should be. For some offbeat suggestions, Arts reporter Julia Meek sat down with the hosts of the Storytelling Breakdown podca...
Area Songwriters Finding A Voice Through Trubble Troubadours
November 11, 2021 21:46 - 13 minutes - 16.4 MBSummit City Songwriter Showcase, now known as Trubble Troubadours, was founded a little less than three years ago by Fort Wayne musician, Adam Baker, to provide support and a performance platform for local and regional songwriters. To learn how this adventure has taken shape, and where it's heading next, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with Baker to discuss the groups purpose, its dedicated venue, and the community connections being made along the way. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s ...
More than a haircut: A conversation with founder of WeFAM
November 11, 2021 21:44 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBFort Wayne native Juan Williams, a barber with purpose and a strong dedication to his community, has combined forces with seventeen other shop owners to provide hope for at risk members of the population through an organization he founded and heads up aptly called We Fam. Besides the grooming services, which are distributed in the form of unique vouchers, the group hosts regular meetings for its young members called Barbershop Conversations. For insight on his beliefs and the scope of his co...
New Icons Inspire Congregation At St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
November 11, 2021 21:43 - 13 minutes - 17.5 MBFort Wayne's St. Nicholas Orthodox Church will be celebrating Christmas in an especially meaningful way this year, thanks to the completion of phase one of its new icon project. For a first-hand look at the results, WBOI's Julia Meek visited the church and talked with parish priest, Father Andrew Jarmus, about the scope of the artwork, the meaning behind it, and its impact on the congregation. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me v...
"Podcast Guru" brings first-ever Podcast Boot Camp to city
November 11, 2021 21:41 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBEmpowerYou Podcast founder and host, Kibwe Cooper takes his title of "Podcast Guru" quite seriously, and will be presenting the city's first ever boot camp class for individuals and nonprofit organizations looking to gain introductory skills in podcasting Saturday, October 16th. Venue host for the all day session, Come As You Are Community Church on South Anthony Boulevard, is led by Pastor Anthony Payton, who has been a key supporter of Cooper's project since its inception, and is proud to h...
What's Coloring Fort Wayne's Vibrant Skyline
November 11, 2021 21:39 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB2018 proved to be another arts-driven year for Fort Wayne, and according to Arts United's president, Susan Mendenhall, the city's cultural skyline has never been more vibrant. The wide range of activity comes from every corner of the arts community, and seemingly, no medium, organization or area of interest is left behind. With the New Year rapidly approaching, WBOI's Julia Meek invited Mendenhall, and vice president of Community Development, Dan Ross into the studio to reflect on some of the...
Artlink's Bash & benefit auction connect community to creativity
November 11, 2021 21:38 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBArtlink's inaugural Art Auction begins Thursday, October 14th with a celebratory "Bash," a ticketed event that includes a preview of the work and "buy now" options. Artlink exists to support artists through exhibition, education and community engagement and the opening Bash will kick-off a three day online bidding period, running from Friday, October 15th through midnight on Sunday, October 17th. The exhibition, with more than seventy pieces of original art on display, represents longtime mem...
First Presbyterian Theater Rings In New Year On A Grace Note
November 11, 2021 21:37 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MBAs the First Presbyterian Theater heads toward its fiftieth anniversary celebration in April, this season’s line up is a strong one, and the group is kicking off the new year in a particularly thoughtful way with a big-little play about faith, called The Christians. Meanwhile, theater fans and friends can enjoy blasts from the past fifty years of productions, thanks to the Digital Archive Project now underway. Still photographs from all of the plays are being gathered, sorted and electronical...
Multimedia journalist finds happiness sharing Fort Wayne stories
November 11, 2021 21:33 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBFort Wayne journalist Sara Fiedelholtz is realizing two long-time professional goals this fall with a Happiness Exhibit at the Allen County Public Library's Jeffrey R. Krull Gallery and the launch of HUB 260, a weekly multimedia property focused on the Fort Wayne area. Known for her weekly television show and podcast/radio program, "And Good Company," Sara is proud of her ability to see things a little differently, while uncovering stories that need to be told in our community and voices that...
Healing From Loss: An Interview With Grief Counselor, Lili Carroll
November 11, 2021 21:28 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBFort Wayne resident, Lili Carroll, is a multi-lingual counselor who draws from her own experiences to offer others support through difficult life transitions and the grief, anxiety, and depression that can follow. Lili's energy in these endeavors is tireless, and an international upbringing, as well as a familiarity with being an immigrant in her own teen years, provides a range of understanding that is unique and invaluable in both her private and group practices. As she notes, "It's all abo...
Johnny Appleseed Festival Celebrates Fall With A Step Back In Time
October 06, 2021 22:24 - 12 minutes - 14.6 MBIf you're in the mood for a particularly seasonal celebration, Fort Wayne's 46th annual Johnny Appleseed Festival may be what you're looking for. After a year's delay due to COVID-19, this family friendly event will take place Saturday and Sunday, September 18th & 19th at Johnny Appleseed/Archer Park. For a look at the staying power of this beloved festival, WBOI's Julia Meek invited JAF committee member John O'Rourke into the studio to discuss the myriad traditional activities it offers, its...
Local Artist's Passion For Fabricated Impressionism
October 06, 2021 22:23 - 12 minutes - 13.9 MBFort Wayne area artist, Joel Fremion, has more than three hundred major "paintings" to his credit, and his medium of choice for all of them is fabric. This very tactile artwork is an intricate blend of fabric and leather that is further enhanced with painted details. The result is a cleverly complex image, sometimes mistaken for paint at first sight, that intrigues and pleases art lovers and artists alike. For a close-up look at the artist and his off-beat methods, WBOI's Julia Meek joined up...
Eco-friendly Group Draws Community Support With Clean Drains Fort Wayne Project
October 06, 2021 22:22 - 14 minutes - 17 MBFriends of the Rivers, a local conservation organization, is challenging the entire community to be River SmART (W/ ART!) The project, called Clean Drains Fort Wayne, a collaborative effort between the group and Fort Wayne City Utilities, is a three year initiative that officially begins today with a series of storm drain street-art mural installations throughout the city that will be completed by September 19th. Neighborhoods and schools are also being enlisted to join the movement and creat...
Author Unfolds Chicago Arts Crusader's Story Of Love And Hope
October 06, 2021 22:20 - 13 minutes - 15.8 MBFort Wayne author, Mary Ann Cain, has written a new book devoted to the life of Chicago artist and activist Margaret Burroughs. The saga, which traces Margaret's cultural contributions within her beloved southside Bronzeville neighborhood, also documents the history of the cultural renaissance Chicago enjoyed in the 20th century, which as Cain notes, "followed directly on the heels of the Harlem Renaissance." The work will be launched and celebrated locally on February 8th, with a multimedia ...
Local Creative's Debut Film Is Purely Fort Wayne
September 14, 2021 21:45 - 17 minutes - 20.6 MBMultimedia creative Darren Hunt has just written, produced and directed his first film, a dramatic work called Paper Angel. Though Hunt's intentions were to work with seasoned filmmakers once the screenplay was completed to his liking, his ten year journey with the project would come to include doing all of the casting, production and sets for the movie himself. Besides the attention paid to all of the visual components of the story, he then went on to collaborate with local musicians and fle...
New Album Sets Local Music Scene Aglow
September 14, 2021 21:42 - 15 minutes - 19.2 MBJames and the Drifters is a four piece rock band with a smooth sound, a positive message and a curious name. This band of brotherhood, as the group likes to call itself, which began in Huntington, Indiana, back in 2010, now calls Fort Wayne its home, and the JATD fan base continues to build throughout the midwest, as does their touring circuit. Kyle Jackson, one of the founding members, is pleased with the band's evolution, and ongoing musical journey, being quick to point out, "I'm more exci...
City's First Boutique Hotel Aims To Elevate The Downtown Experience
September 09, 2021 20:26 - 22 minutes - 18.3 MBThe Bradley is a new local enterprise in downtown Fort Wayne, located at the gateway of the city's waterfront revitalization zone. Born of Midwestern charm and modern design sensibilities, the flavor of the arts-forward boutique hotel resonates with locals and travelers alike from its west Main street address, evoking a sense of warmth from an inviting front lobby all the way up to the dramatic skyline view to be found from its popular rooftop bar. For a look behind the scenes and into the he...
Special Olympics Polar Plunge Good Reason For Freezin'
September 09, 2021 20:24 - 12 minutes - 15.1 MBWhile most everyone is avoiding the frigid outdoor temperatures, a brave bunch of area residents are gearing up for the 2019 Special Olympics Polar Plunge, which takes place a week from this Saturday at Metea County Park. Plungers are seeking donations to benefit Special Olympics athletes around the state, and ensure continued opportunity for participation at all levels of activity. For a sneak Peek at what this celebration means to both state and county Olympic organizations, WBOI's Julia M...
Labor Day Festival Resumes & Everything's Coming Up Bluegrass
September 09, 2021 20:20 - 17 minutes - 19.6 MBThe Northern Indiana Bluegrass Association's semi-annual Festival in Kendallville is finally back on track this Labor Day weekend after a year and a half hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. The four day celebration begins at the Noble County 4-H Fairground and welcomes both walk-in visitors and camping enthusiasts to its spacious grounds. The group, which was formed in 1976 by a group of musicians from the Fort Wayne area who shared a passion for the genre and an affinity for homemade music,...
New Youtheatre Director Brings Energy To 85th Season
September 09, 2021 20:16 - 11 minutes - 15.3 MBFort Wayne Youtheatre has been going strong for eighty-five years now, and this season is off to a great start, thanks to its new Executive Artistic Director, Todd Espeland. For a look at Todd's philosophy, and what he's bringing to the youngest members of our local theater scene, WBOI's Julia Meek invited him into the studio to share his insights on the craft, and its place in our community. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me vo...
Celebrating A Bigger Better Taste Of The Arts
September 09, 2021 20:13 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBAfter switching to a virtual celebration last year due to COVID restrictions, Fort Wayne is getting ready to enjoy its 13th annual Taste of the Arts Festival in person. With an emphasis on CDC guidelines and local health agency guidelines, the event's greatly expanded footprint will allow festival goers to self select and choose their own adventure, giving everyone the chance to celebrate the special day in their own way. For a look at the new shape things are taking as the event holds true ...
Young Filmmaker's Palace Captures Essence Of Rural Indiana
September 09, 2021 20:11 - 18 minutes - 23.4 MBAndrew Paul Davis is a native Floridian, now living in Indiana, who made this state the setting for his first full length movie, after honing his craft while attending Upland's Taylor University. The film, called Palace, presents a cross-generational portrait of life involving a stubborn auto mechanic, a retired widower, and a college student as they interact at a bar in rural Indiana. An official Heartland Film Festival selection this past fall, in Indianapolis, Palace has enjoyed enthusiast...
Denizen of Brazilian Street Artist's Animal Kingdom Comes Alive On Downtown Art Scene
September 01, 2021 21:02 - 15 minutes - 12.6 MBAs of last Wednesday morning, a vibrant new mural by Brazil's internationally acclaimed street artist Arlin Graff occupies the south and east walls of Shindigz Place in downtown Fort Wayne. The massive work, titled River Otter, is part of the the city's Art This Way program, managed by Alex Hall. Animals are the celebrated muralist's principal theme, executed in his distinctively creative style that pairs whimsically colorful representations of the animal kingdom with elements of the modern ...
Civic Theatre Engages Audiences With "The Wedding Gift"
September 01, 2021 21:01 - 13 minutes - 16.2 MBThe 2013 winner of the Northeast Indiana Playwright Festival, The Wedding Gift, by Nancy Carlson Dodd, is making a triumphant return to the Civic Theatre. It's also enjoying a 2nd world premiere, since Dodd was able to realize her original vision of the play as a musical this time around, which wasn't permitted in the playwright contest qualifications. Dodd's collaborator on the music and orchestration for this project has been her niece, Dori Erwin Collins, with the added advantage of workin...
Young Students Challenge Community To Fight Homelessness
September 01, 2021 21:00 - 14 minutes - 11.7 MBWhen Riley Fitzharris, age 14, and Cohen McCreery, age 12, were challenged by their teacher at Oak Farm Montessori School in Avilla to "make a difference in the world" last fall, they ended up deciding to host a fundraiser to help the homeless. After deciding that a hands-on approach best suited their interests and combined skill sets, they organized their thoughts, rolled up their sleeves and began a nine month quest to build a detailed campaign that would eventually involve their families, ...
Sculptor's Aquatic Installation At Artlink Honors Mother Sea
September 01, 2021 20:57 - 12 minutes - 14 MBSayaka Ganz is a Fort Wayne sculptor, born in Japan, who is internationally known for her large scale animal figures made from reclaimed plastic objects. Her latest local installation opens on Friday, February 22nd, at Artlink, and WBOI's Julia Meek decided to invite Ganz into the studio to discuss its complexities, as well as the motivation for this medium she embraces. WBOI Artcentric is brought to you by WBOI’s own Julia Meek and Ben Clemmer. Our theme music is “Me voy pal campo'' by Kelsi...
Pandemic Drives Poet's Journey: An Interview With Ketu Oladuwa
August 20, 2021 21:22 - 30 minutes - 30.6 MBWhen COVID-19 forced local author & social activist Ketu Oladuwa to halt his public jazz and poetry performance projects he switched gears, regrouped his energy and made a long term commitment to write and publish his own work instead. With a goal of producing three poetry chapter books in 2021, Oladua has just released the 2nd volume, entitled intimatez panoramic i. A reading from and discussion of the book will be presented at Wunderkammer Company on Wednesday, August 18th. To learn where t...
Three Rivers Music Theatre Premieres Groundbreaking "Fun Home"
August 20, 2021 21:15 - 13 minutes - 16.3 MBFun Home, one of the most celebrated Broadway musicals of the decade, made its groundbreaking debut in 2015 as the first musical in history to feature a lesbian protagonist. Thanks to Three Rivers Music Theatre, the play is making its regional premiere right here in Fort Wayne, at Wunderkammer Company. Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir of the same name, the story, which unfolds at the family's funeral home business, concerns the author's coming of age, and uncovering a fa...
Conservatory's Annual Outdoor Concert Series Rooted In Community Traditions
August 13, 2021 18:27 - 11 minutes - 8.94 MBThe Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will kick off its 15th annual Botanical Roots Concert Series this Friday, August 6th. Nicknamed "Concerts al fresco" by the facility's dedicated staff, this year's lineup of national touring acts and local opening bands is expected to fill the backyard Terrace with area music lovers of all ages every Friday throughout this month. For a sneak peek at what's in store, WBOI's Julia Meek sat down with the Conservatory's Program Coordinator Missy A'He...
Rotary Club Making Big Splash In 2nd Century Of Service
August 13, 2021 18:26 - 12 minutes - 14.5 MBThe Rotary Club of Fort Wayne takes its tag line, "Dream big about service," very seriously, and this year, it is making a big splash on the downtown Riverfront scene with a Water Jet Fountain, which will be constructed adjacent to the Compass Pavilion in the heart of Promenade Park. The group is hoping to raise most of the rest of the necessary funds for the project with its annual Big Easy Mardi Gras Feast. WBOI's Julia Meek met with president, Dave Bennett, and Barb Wachtman, past presiden...
Local Group Dedicated To Advancing Voices Of Women
August 13, 2021 18:18 - 12 minutes - 15.1 MBThe AVOW organization was founded a little over two years ago with the purpose of giving women here in Fort Wayne a voice in public life. Under the leadership of founders, Patti Hays, Rachel Tobin-Smith, Marilyn Moran-Townsend and Faith Van Gilder, AVOW is growing in numbers, gaining momentum, and finding its voice in a number of platforms. The mission of the organization is to advance the voices of women in public life, the community square and civil conversations. Appealing to women of all ...