Embassy Theatre Rooftop Patio Open on Wednesday evenings in Summer

The Embassy Theatre has undergone lots of renovations recently, and it's worth taking a moment to talk about this one - the opening of a rooftop patio to the public. An elevator or stairs takes one to this panoramic view of downtown Fort Wayne, with cool breezes and a railing to look over. The Grand Wayne Center is to the north, Parkview Field and Lincoln National Corporation are within site, as is the Ash building, the Botanical Conservatory structures, and many beautiful old church steeples. There is seating, weather permitting. Because it had been rainy, the live music was not set up on the roof.

Beginning Wednesday nights in the summer of 2016, the 6th and 7th floors have been unlocked to host live music and other entertainment for patrons who bought $5 tickets. The night I went, a live combo played and sang familiar rock, jazz and blues cover songs - many of them, I noticed, with the word 'sunshine' in the title or lyrics. They really sounded great.

Music was sent through speakers to the rooftop above, so patrons sitting out on the patio could hear. Club Soda was catering the food, which was lovely. Coconut shrimp, burritos with fresh toppings, and a dessert selection all proved to be tempting. The dessert we split, a cheesecake with fresh berries, was wonderful. People spread out at tables with their drinks and food to hear the band, or took their items to the roof to look out over the city and have a conversation. It was cocktail hour, and people were partaking. I think the venue cares about its renovations and carpeting, because red wine and some other drinks were served in lidded sippy cups! That was new to me.

This lovely event will soon end for the season, so check the Embassy website, box office, or local Whatzup listings for the featured entertainment, 5 - 9 p.m. Parking is in the structure across the walkway: limited street parking is also available in the area. The year is slipping away, so get it all in if you can.