Musicians won't want to miss GearFest '12, which goes until 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Sweetwater Sound, 5501 U.S. 30 W.
Described as “part entertainment event, part flea market and part musicians' toyland,” GearFest offers workshops and seminars, manufacturers' exhibits, musical performances and more. More than 200 manufacturers will be on hand to showcase the latest gear.
Sweetwater, the third largest retailer of music instruments and pro-audio in the U.S., started GearFest in 2002. It is free and open to the public.
The company has amassed more than $65,000 in gear to be awarded to attendees who register to win. In addition, special pricing will be offered on hundreds of products.
The Guitar Gallery tent will feature hundreds of guitars and basses. A guitar Collector's Corner will feature some of the most high-end guitars available today. A free guitar setup and restringing service will be offered, as well as a musicians' flea market, where used equipment can be bought, sold and traded.
The iPad Connection is a dedicated space for iPad users staffed by Sweetwater's resident iPad experts who will show all the ways the iPad can be used for professional musical applications.
Go to www.sweetwater.com/feature/gearfest2012/workshops.php for a full schedule of events.
Hobby shop moves to Parkwest
Phil's Hobby Shop, 1722 Lake Ave., is opening a store in the Parkwest shopping center, located where West Jefferson Boulevard and Illinois Road split. The store is expected to open late this week; as of Wednesday a firm date hadn't been announced. The new store will have room for more merchandise.
The Lake Avenue store will still be Phil's, but will be primarily the shipping hub for Phil's extensive Internet business, said Marissa Ranney, who handles online sales and the Internet business.
Steve Gieseking and Paris McFarthing own Phil's on Lake Avenue and the new Phil's in Parkwest. Steve Gieseking's father runs the Phil's Hobby Shop at 3112 N. Clinton St.
Yoga studio
A new yoga studio will open in July in White Swan Plaza, 9175 Lima Road.
Simply Yoga Fort Wayne will kick off its grand opening with an open house 5-8 p.m. July 13. Guests can tour the studio while mingling over drinks and snacks. Free yoga classes will be offered at Simply Yoga in the morning July 14 and 15, with regularly scheduled classes beginning July 16.
Christa Smith, owner and certified instructor, has more than 10 years experience teaching dance and yoga. She will teach yoga to all ages and skill levels. For information on class schedules and cost, go to www.simplyyogafortwayne.com or call 446-1663.
Nautique demo
In the market for a new speedboat? Clear Lake Marina is hosting a Nautique open house 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the marina, 1210 Lake Drive, Clear Lake, Fremont. Boats will be in the water for demo rides.
The marina also is offering wakeboard classes 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday for groups of four students. Use your board or try one of the marina's Ronix boards. Cost: $50. Parental permission is required. Phone: 1-800-477-1754.
Fashion show tonight
Five different fashion designers will showcase their designs tonight at Fashion Show 3.0 at the YOLO Event Center, 4201 N. Wells St. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the event starts at 9 p.m. Local fashion designer Anton Babich is coordinating the show. Attendees must be age 18 or older. General admission tickets are $10.
Yard sale benefits horses
Shadarobah Horse Rescue, 10113 Goshen Road, is hosting a yard sale until 4 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday to help purchase feed, medicine and supplies for horses. Pony rides will be $2 or a donation. To learn more about the horse rescue, go to www.shadarobah.com.
