Foellinger Theatre Summer Concert Series Rocks Franke Park

I had no idea it had been in existence that long, but Fort Wayne's Foellinger Theatre was first constructed in Franke Park in 1949. According to the Parks department web site, the theatre, named for the late Oscar Foellinger, was a gift to the city from the owners of the newspaper News-Sentinel.

In 1972, the theater burned. It was rebuilt into its current incarnation in 1975 and reopened in 1976, with its wooden arcing roof and open sides, allowing summer breezes to cool attendees at events. New seating was installed and electrical systems were updated in 1994. Then in 2005, restrooms, concessions, a plaza, and entrance landscaping were all improved. The landscaping has filled in well.

By 2014, the annual summer concert series was going strong in this beautifully covered, yet outdoor, venue. That year Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Styx and the Beach Boys all sold out. And in 2015, attendance at events at this special place next to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo approached 50,000, with revenues over $1.7 million. Other improvements with structural beams, sound and rigging for equipment have kept acoustics and technology up to date.

So much smaller and more intimate than the Memorial Coliseum, the Foellinger is the place I'd rather see a concert. There are only about 2700 seats in the house. The back seats are much like metal bleachers, so unless there are no other tickets available I don't recommend seats in that section. Tickets for events can be bought online on the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation website, or at the theater box office. For concerts, there are concessions available. Drinks, including beer, wine, frozen margaritas, waters and sodas can be purchased and taken to seats. Hot dogs, popcorn, and other snacks are also available.

This year Heart played an amazing concert. Ann and Nancy Wilson have amazing voices, and included some Led Zeppelin in their final songs. Joe Walsh and Ringo Starr graced the stage this year. And I saw the band America, the founders of which have been playing together on stage since 1969. Boston also did a tremendous job this year.

I am looking forward to seeing the band Chicago for the first time next week. I'll try to get some photos and let you know how it was. Often a local performer, such as Kenny Taylor, starts the show as a warm-up act. Sometimes the opener has come along on tour with the band. Parking is free, and traffic isn't terrible when an event is over. It's just a few minutes to get out. I hope you go and see an act, and have a great time.