By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
It’s Whoa, Man! at the start but there is no whoa on Decatur’s 2025 Summer Concert Series, which kicks off its seventh season Thursday night at 6.
A total of 13 concerts are scheduled by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, 12 of them on the Madison St. Plaza, all on Thursday nights. Start times will vary, at 6 and 7 p.m.
Whoa, Man! will begin a three-hour concert at 6 p.m.
No admission is charged. Various types of food will be available for purchase, along with adult beverages.
In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Mirage Banquet Hall.
The lone exception to the plaza site is the July 3 performance by Proud Mary CCR, to be held on the Riverside Center parking lot as part of the city’s annual fireworks display and veterans’ recognition to celebrate the Fourth of July.
ROCKERS: Whoa, Man! rocks out of Fort Wayne and is comprised of four women and three men.
“We met in 2021 and it was magic from the start,” said a spokeswoman for the group.
The front row, which they affectionately refer to as the sisterhood of rock, consists of Nevera, Teresa, Sunny, and Karis. Each woman sings lead on several songs while the others play instruments and sing back up.
The back row boys, as they are known, are Allen Smith on lead guitar, Mike Grant on drums, and Peter Jacobs on bass.
“The men in the band get paid slightly less, but have tirelessly fought for equal pay, while hoping that they can one day be in the front row. We’ll see about that,” the spokeswoman said, tongue firmly in cheek.
JOIN UP: Once again this year, young talent is being sought to perform before the concert or at break time.
“Whether a solo artist or part of a band, we want to hear from you,” a spokesperson said. “This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with the community, and be part of an exciting summer tradition.”
Anyone interested is urged to contact Decatur Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart at City Hall, (260) 724-7171, or by going to jgephart@cityofdecatur.in.gov
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