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The Kokomo Park Band invites the community to experience a stirring afternoon of music on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Havens Auditorium on the Indiana University Kokomo (IUK) campus, 2300 S. Washington St. Conducted by Artistic Director Jay Gephart and sponsored by Creative Financial Group, this year’s mid-winter concert, titled “Only Light, Only Love,” takes place on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The program serves as a profound exploration of resilience, progress, and the enduring American spirit, celebrating how music serves as a bridge to a better future as the nation looks toward the “America at 250” milestone. Admission is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring items to donate to C.A.M.
The repertoire thoughtfully highlights the rich contributions of African American composers and music inspired by the Civil Rights movement. The centerpiece of the program is Mark Camphouse’s poignant “Homage to the Dream,” a work dedicated specifically to the legacy and sacrifice of Dr. King. Other featured selections include the rhythmic energy of Robert Dett’s “Juba Dance,” the forward-looking excitement of Kevin Day’s “Rocketship,” and Quincy Hilliard’s “Variations on an African Hymnsong.”
The program is further enriched by Rossano Gallante’s “Freedom Defended,” James Reese Europe’s “Castles in Europe,” Dwayne Milburn’s “Steadfast Leadership,” and Katahj Copley’s “Halcyon Hearts.” The concert’s namesake work, “Only Light, Only Love” by Leslie Gilreath, is based on the powerful words of Dr. King engraved at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.
In the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy of service, the concert will also serve as a community collection point for Coordinated Assistance Ministries (C.A.M.). While admission to the performance is free, the band encourages attendees to support C.A.M.’s mission of assisting the local homeless population by donating essential items. Requested supplies include toothpaste, toothbrushes, bathroom tissue, bottled water, and men’s hygiene items, such as 3-in-1 shampoo, body wash, deodorant, razors, and shaving cream. Financial contributions also will be gratefully accepted.
The band is especially honored to welcome back local favorite Cherresa Lawson as the featured guest soloist. Ms. Lawson, the Director of Choirs at Kokomo High School and leader of the award-winning KHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Karisma Show Choir, will bring her extraordinary voice to a definitive performance of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The concert will conclude with a grand finale featuring the timeless melodies of George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” During intermission, the IUK/Community Flute Choir, under the direction of Trudy Whitford, will perform a selection of music in the lobby.
Kokomo Park Band concerts are produced with support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Center Township, Community Foundation of Howard County, the Arts Federation, and the Indiana Arts Commission. As the majority of the band’s funding depends on individual donations, contributions are vital to continuing these performances. Gifts may be sent to Kokomo Park Band, PO Box 6039, Kokomo, IN 46904-6039 or submitted online.
Additional information regarding the performance and the organization can be found on Facebook and at www.kokomoparkband.org. Call 765-319-8554 regarding weather delays or cancellations.