Park Band entertains weekly

Enjoy a timeless summer tradition
of free live music in the park.

Kokomo Park Band has been bringing music to the community for more than a century. The band is comprised of more than 130 musicians within a 90-mile radius of Kokomo and around 48 musicians take the stage each week for the summer series.

The Kokomo Park Band will perform starting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings during the summer months in Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo. It will also perform a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6.

There’s no admission cost, nor is there a cost for the popcorn served each week.

Those attending the shows are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs due to limited seating. In the event of rain, concerts may be moved indoors.

The Kokomo Park Band's "America at 250" season includes:

June 3: “The British Are Coming”

A tribute to our Transatlantic roots with music of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Philip Sparke alongside stage favorites by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Sponsored by Caron & Jones Dental Care       

June 10: “America: Melting Pot – The Spirit of the Nation” 

Featuring saxophone soloist Neil Broeker and vocalist Sally Duke, this concert will celebrate the diverse cultural traditions that define the American experience with the KPB joined by top area high school musicians. (Rain location for this show is Northwestern Auditorium.)

Sponsored by Community First Bank of Indiana

June 15-17: Youth Multicultural Rhythm Workshop

For children in first through fifth grade. Sessions will be held from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. in the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library’s Annex Building, located on Market Street. The workshop will culminate with a performance in Highland Park at 6:30 p.m. June 17.

Get registered here.

Spotlight on Youth Concert featuring the Youth Multicultural Rhythm Ensemble, Trombone Soloist John Huntoon and Guest Conductor Dr. Eric Scott, Director of Bands at Indiana State University.

Sponsored by Cone Palace

June 24: “America’s Gift to the World – Jazz”

This is the annual Big Band Night featuring the park band’s swing orchestra with central Indiana’s job jazz musicians. At 7 p.m., there will be a special pre-concert performance by the Howard County All Star High School Jazz Band.
Dr. Lissa May (Jacobs School of Music, IU) will be the guest conductor, with Cherresa Lawson and Gary Wallyn as vocalists.

Sponsored by Primrose Retirement Community

July 1: “Soundtrack of a Nation – Celebrating Freedom” 

NOTICE: Due to the heat, tonight's concert has been moved to the Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Rd, Kokomo.

Commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. A stirring collection of marches and melodies highlighting the pride of the nation with military color guard, guest vocalists and a Salute to Veterans of our Armed Forces.

Sponsored by Bayliff, Harrigan, Cord, Maugans, & Cox P.C. 

July 8: “American Innovation – The Birth of Flight”

From Kitty Hawk to the Stars, this concert will be a high-flying tribute to the pioneers who defined the American sky. Featuring the heroic music of John Williams and Sousa, the Kokomo High School Marching Wildkats, and High School Solo Competition Winner Zander Bowers on clarinet.

Also, the Instrument "Petting Zoo" for kids will start at 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Andy Roller, Comprehensive Planning Corp.

July 15: “America Center Stage” 

A spectacular tribute to the American stage, from the Golden Age of Rodgers & Hammerstein to the modern pulse of Hamilton. Featuring vocalist Jana Gephart and the Kokomo Men of Note. 

Sponsored by McGavic Outdoor Power Equipment

July 22: “America’s Composers – The Heart of a Nation”

Celebrating the Masters of American Music. A symphonic journey through the works of Williams, Copland, Bernstein, and Rodgers, honoring 250 years of creativity and the composers who captured the heart of a nation. 

Sponsored by Stouts Funeral Home and Crematory

Sunday, Sept. 6: “Labor Day Celebration”

A special show starting at 7 p.m. featuring the Kokomo Park Band’s Gazebo Band & Friends. Rain location for this show will be the Northwestern Auditorium.

Sponsored by Encompass Credit Union

In case of rain, the concerts are moved indoors to the Kokomo High School Auditorium. The decision for venue change is made after 5 p.m. (with the exception of the June 10 and Sept. 6 concerts). To inquire about changes, call 765-319-8554 after 5 p.m. or check the Kokomo Park Band's Facebook page.