Embassy asks community to join the celebration
Fort Wayne, Ind. (February 11, 2026) – The Embassy Theatre is excited to present Down the Line 20 on Saturday, February 21 at 7 p.m. The organization has reached this important milestone due to the ongoing support of this community and the unparalleled talent of the local performers who are a part of this signature Embassy event each year.
This incredibly uplifting and fun show will feature five local bands paying homage to five decades of iconic music and artists who have left an indelible mark on the history of music.
The 2026 lineup is as follows:
- The Trainhoppers (60s)
- We Are Checkmark (70s)
- Kaitlyn Schmit & Friends (80s)
- Neighborhood Strays (90s)
- Tuesday Atlas (2000s)
It began as an experiment rooted in mission.
Down the Line began in 2007 to offer a meaningful opportunity for local musicians to play legendary music on the renowned Embassy stage. At that time, it was designed as a fundraiser for the theater as well as a way to present a show highlighting local performers. Two decades ago, there weren’t nearly the number of venues or opportunities for local bands to take center stage. Over the years, Down the Line has sold out or been close to capacity multiple times. The Embassy presented country-based and hard rock-based versions of Down the Line that didn’t quite work for the long haul. However, the traditional version in February has continued to appeal to the community.
“This was our first venture into community-focused, arts-based, missional programming. It was received well from the beginning, and this enthusiasm has encouraged the Embassy to continue with this show year after year,” said Kelly Updike, Embassy Theatre president and CEO. “Where we are today with programming began with the Down the Line ‘experiment.’ This event remains loved by local musicians and classic rock fans alike.”
There are many things that make Down the Line special. Local artists are paramount to its success. Performing on the beloved and national-talent-level Embassy stage is exciting and a great opportunity for these bands to perform fan-favorite covers of national (and international) headliners. Embassy leadership enjoys seeing and hearing how those performers offer songs their own creative spin. Plus, the organization is proud to offer such a special show to patrons of all ages, giving younger guests – as well as entire families – the chance to see local bands that usually perform in venues that are for those who are 21+ years old.
“Down the Line 1 began the Embassy’s strategic path to present mission-based programming. We are honored that local artists value their time on the Embassy stage, often saying it is a highlight of their musical careers,” said Updike.
Local artists and visionaries have infused this show with talent and passion.
Back in 2007, the Embassy was well known for Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows. To celebrate the theater’s 80th anniversary, Updike planned a couple fundraisers. One was aimed at a black-tie crowd (a higher-dollar engagement with Martin Short), and the second was intended to draw in a younger, more diverse audience with an affordable ticket price.
Updike and the board approached One Lucky Guitar (a boutique creative agency) to see if they had any ideas on how to do that, and the agency pitched an idea that became Down the Line. “The concept was to feature the musicians and bands who were sweating it out and invigorating Fort Wayne’s music and cultural scene by playing shows week-in, week-out at local bars, basements and block parties. We wanted to put them on the best and finest stage in the city and to give them the opportunity to celebrate the musical artists that inspired them to pursue music in the first place,” said Matt Kelley, founder of One Lucky Guitar and local musician in The Trainhoppers.
The initial event was quite successful in welcoming a new audience into the theater and giving artists a chance to play in an incredible auditorium. “The Embassy is intrinsic in Fort Wayne’s history, its present day, and its future. From its architectural brilliance, to its incredible staff and volunteers, to its celebrated stage, it truly is Fort Wayne’s ‘best foot forward,’” said Kelley. While the Embassy is a venue for national touring musicians and productions, its nonprofit heart knows it must also feature and celebrate the incredible artists who call northeast Indiana home.
“At One Lucky Guitar, we often talk about how one of the most magical qualities of music is how it embodies a ‘never-ending now.’ There is always music to be celebrated, and there are always new and upcoming artists who are making their mark on our community. The framework of Down the Line persists, but no two versions have ever been identical—and that’s part of the magic of it,” said Kelley.
The Embassy is proud to expose patrons to local artists they might not know. If they love a band’s set at Down the Line, the organization hopes that patrons will seek out those bands who perform throughout the year in area venues.
Community collaboration benefits everyone.
Attending Down the Line isn’t just about the incredible music experience. It’s also about the spectacular visuals that accompany musicians on stage (and on monitors elsewhere in the facility). For the first three years of the event, One Lucky Guitar helped the Embassy as the agency worked with a curated list of local designers and art directors to create artwork that would highlight the music. Designers were chosen whose style was inspired by the ‘legends’ being covered.
After the third year, the organization began working with Alan Nauts at the University of Saint Francis. The design program gladly welcomed the visual art as an assignment. It’s been an incredible partnership ever since. Patrons get a multifaceted art experience. The Embassy gets to flex its educational muscle by working with the university to gain a plethora of beautiful images representing the theme or approach the show is taking that year. And, students get a real-world client experience.
“Saint Francis is a service-oriented university. Leading with our Franciscan Tradition, we leap at the chance to feature student work on the biggest stage,” said Jeremy McFarren, assistant professor and program director of graphic design at the University of Saint Francis. “What a great opportunity—showcase student creation and pitch in to help the community!”
Students have the rare chance to create work that is an integral part of their professional portfolio and a chance to give back. It is a source of pride that their work can be forever tied to such a grand tradition as Down the Line.
This project is a perfect opportunity to see how design work is integral to the community. “While much graphic design work is centered on the needs of clients, learning how to meet deadlines and building their foundational knowledge of work for their field of study, this project illustrates the power of visual communication. It pushes them in a different way, helping them to create powerful images that serve a specific purpose,” said McFarren.
The organization encourages the community to buy tickets, become a member or donate. That support helps the Embassy keep unique shows like Down the Line returning. It also ensures that collaborative and community-focused events thrive long term.
Tickets for this all-ages, general admission show are $20 if purchased at the box office. If purchased ONLINE, tickets are $23.50 (plus applicable convenience fees). Day of show, ticket prices will increase to $25 at the box office and $28.50 online (plus convenience fees). Visit fwembassytheatre.org, ticketmaster.com or the STAR Bank Box Office at the Embassy (260.424.5665), located at 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and two hours before performances.
Doors open at 6 p.m. A limited early entry option is available for $30 at the box office or $33.50 online (plus convenience fees).
Sweetwater is the Artist Lounge Sponsor for Down the Line 20. Five Star Distributing is the Hospitality Sponsor. Smile More Kitchen & Catering is the Sponsor Lounge Food Sponsor.
About the Embassy Theatre
Built in 1928, the Embassy Theatre is Indiana’s largest self-sustaining historic theater. Originally known as the Emboyd, with the adjoining seven-story Indiana Hotel, the majestic movie palace and vaudeville theater introduced Indiana to the biggest stars of stage and screen. Today, the Embassy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Combining the beauty of a bygone era with the energy and diversity of today’s performers, the Embassy is the showplace of Northern Indiana. Many choose to host events and weddings at the Embassy, as it offers flexibility and a unique event experience in an iconic piece of Fort Wayne history. Visit the Embassy at fwembassytheatre.org for more information.