Local man to appear on Fox show Friday

Do you know your lyrics?

Local resident Ed Schwartzman thinks he does.

He will make a national debut on Fox’s “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” hosted by Wayne Brady at 9 p.m. Friday.

Schwartzman was living in Chicago and working in the mortgage business when friends urged him to audition for the show in December.

Schwartzman is eager to see the show air.

“The show went by like a blur,” he said. “I don’t even remember what I said.”

It took Schwartzman a couple of months to realize his performance was selected to be aired.

“Out of all the people that were there for auditions, I thought I would never make it,” Schwartzman said. “But by the end of the audition, I had confidence, and I knew I didn’t disappoint.”

Schwartzman’s fiancee, Jaimie Oakden, is also excited. She is one of the owners of BuffaLouie’s and will help him throw a party in the restaurant, located at 114 S. Indiana Ave., when the show airs.

“It has been an exciting week. We just got engaged this Wednesday and the show is airing on Friday night,” Oakden said. “This party is called for. I am very glad Ed made it on the show.”

Schwartzman’s daughter, Hayley Schwartzman, 17, had a different view of things.
“I am completely and totally prepared to be embarrassed by Dad,” she said. Hayley Schwartzman plans to attend IU next fall.

Employees at the restaurant are excited about Schwartzman’s debut. Signs are hanging up to advertise the show. Employees are also ready to transform part of the restaurant into a stage for two bands that will perform in celebration of Schwartzman’s anticipated success. The two bands are Nick Danger from Lake County, Ind., and Moments of Clarity, whose members are all IU students.

Schwartzman said he cannot reveal how much he won, but he made it clear that he won something.

“Just watch the show and you’ll know everything,” he said. Schwartzman will present the show to everyone in the restaurant at 8:30 p.m. right before it airs nationally.

“It will be a fun environment for any age,” he said. “All IU students are welcome to stop by and enjoy the show.”