Popular FREE Ride Service to Masterworks Series Concerts Continues
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic today announced the continuation of its popular FREE ride service to all Masterworks Series concerts for patrons age 70 or older, and for those with qualifying medical conditions. Also announced is a new northside pickup location at Georgetown Square. The service is made possible through a generous donation from the Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation.
Patricia Urberg, who utilized the ride service last season, relayed how important it was for her and her husband to enjoy the concerts.
“We really appreciate the ride service and probably would not have season tickets if this was not available. It will be helpful especially with the downtown parking garage construction this upcoming season,” said Urberg.
The change of the north side location to Georgetown Square comes as a response to finding a more convenient location for patrons. Patrons at both pick up locations have been given permission to park cars there for the duration of the concerts.
North
Chase Bank at Georgetown Square in the parking spaces adjacent to the sidewalk bordering E. State Blvd.
6704 E. State Blvd. | Fort Wayne, IN
South
Stein Mart parking lot across from Covington Plaza
6325 W. Jefferson Blvd. | Fort Wayne, IN 46804
The idea of the shuttle service began from Darlene Richardson’s personal experience of having difficulty finding convenient handicap accessible parking close to the Embassy Theatre.
“As I have aged, parking downtown has become increasingly challenging. I remember thinking to myself there has got to be another way. It would be so much more convenient to simply have a shuttle pick up someone from their car and drop them off right in front of the Embassy Theatre,” said Richardson.
This service is offered in collaboration with CTN, Community Transportation Network, the private nonprofit organization whose vision is to eliminate transportation barriers and provide full access to community life for seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income families, children, and youth.
“I feel privileged to be able to underwrite this program and I will continue to do so,” said Richardson.
Two pick up times are offered before the concerts. Those patrons interested in arriving early or attending the pre-concert talk Musically Speaking will be picked up at 5:45 p.m. Those interested in arriving just prior to the concert will be picked up at 6:45 p.m.
Vans seat 12-18 people and accommodate wheelchairs. Reservations are required two weeks in advance of every concert. Those interested should contact the Philharmonic Box Office at 260.481.0770 for more information and to apply. Online reservations can be made at fwphil.org/experience/ride service. Contact, medical, and other qualifying information will be required.
Concert dates are as follows:
SAT, OCT 5, 7:30 PM
Opening Night: Tchaikovsky Spectacular
Embassy Theatre
SAT, NOV 2, 7:30 PM
Beethoven’s 5th
Auer Performance Hall, Rhinehart Music Center, Purdue University Fort Wayne
SAT, NOV 23, 7:30 PM
Violins of Hope
Embassy Theatre
SAT, JAN 11, 7:30 PM
Peer Gynt and Polovtsian Dances
Embassy Theatre
SAT, FEB 1, 7:30 PM
Pinchas Zukerman Plays Brahms
Embassy Theatre
SAT, FEB 22, 7:30 PM
Ravel’s Bolero
Embassy Theatre
SAT, MAR 14, 7:30 PM
Carmina Burana
Embassy Theatre
SAT, APR 4, 7:30 PM
Mozart and Two Pianos
Auer Performance Hall, Rhinehart Music Center, Purdue University Fort Wayne
SAT, APR 25, 7:30 PM
Beethoven’s Violin
Embassy Theatre
SAT, MAY 16, 7:30 PM
Constantine Conducts Shostakovich
Embassy Theatre