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Serving New Haven & east Allen County
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INfortwayne.com
‘My journey was extremely unexpected’ Agen talks ‘the Voice,’ what’s next
By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com
Only 12 months ago, Fort Wayne native Addison Agen was auditioning for “the Voice” in Chicago. Now, things are a little different. “My journey was extremely unexpected. I grew so much and learned so much about myself as an artist and as a person,” she said in a recent interview. Agen was a participant in the 13th season of “the Voice,” making it to the top two before Chloe Kohanski was declared the winner. “I think the most surprising [part] is how far I made it, just being as gentle as an artist as I am,” she said. “I didn’t know I would make it to the Top
COURTESY PHOTO
Addison Agen of Fort Wayne performs with coach Adam Levine on NBC’s “The Voice.” Agen finished as runner-up in the show’s latest season.
12 at all, much less past the blind [auditions]…but it all works out in God’s plan and it was pretty
beautiful and I am blessed to have gotten where I got.” Making the connec-
Hop River brewers build place to mingle By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com
PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES
Hop River Brewing Company Brewer Kevin Debs, right, works to make the brewery’s first batch of beer Jan. 10. The brewery is located at 1515 N. Harrison St.
As they were getting their plans together, it seemed development was working with them too. “There’s a lot happening on Wells Street, there’s a lot happening north of the river. The momentum, not withstanding the GE project, with the city is moving north and we thought we’d just get right in the way,” Jackson said.
Though they had intended on purchasing a different building, their current location at 1515 N. Harrison St. met all their needs, both now and in the future. “Literally a city block zoned industrial in the middle of neighborhoods, you’re hard pressed to find See HOP, Page A10
3306 Independence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
INfortwayne Publications
From the beginning, Hop River Brewing Company has been about using beer to bring people together. Initially, co-founders Paris McFarthing and Ben Jackson had separately been considering opening their own breweries. “By happenstance we got introduced through a mutual friend and the three of us … had a beer at the Dash-In,” McFarthing said. “[Ben and I] realized we could make a go of it together.” Both had helpful backgrounds to bring a new brewery into existence – McFarthing has an entrepreneurial background as co-owner of Phil’s Hobby Shop and Jackson’s background in the law helped them navigate the regulations necessary to open a brewery.
tions she did on the show, including with the other See AGEN, Page A11
February 2018
Joy of music lingers after state seminar By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com
An estimated 5,000 music students, teachers and admirers from throughout Indiana converged on Fort Wayne Jan. 11-13 for the Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference. More than two dozen free concerts were offered at four venues over two days as the IMEA came to the Summit City for the eighth consecutive year. Music lovers braved the weather Jan. 13 to pack the Embassy Theatre. They watched as composer Robert W. Smith conducted the Indiana Honor Concert Band. Homestead High School senior Natalee Nichols sat front and center, playing flute and alto flute. “It made it easier for me to make eye contact with the director,” Nichols said. Four Homestead musicians qualified to play or as alternates. From north-
PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW
Homestead High School senior Natalee Nichols plays flute with the Indiana Honor Concert Band. Homestead qualified four musicians and alternates for the IMEA band.
east Indiana, East Noble, Huntington North, New Haven, Northrop, Norwell and Wayne high schools also qualified musicians for the 94 seats and 30 alternates. “It was a big honor to be accepted and very humbling to be part of this See MUSIC, Page A11