As summer approaches, the familiar sounds of the Kokomo Park Band are once again set to fill Highland Park, continuing a musical tradition that spans generations. While the band itself has roots in the 1800s, its cherished series of weekly summer concerts in Highland Park began in 1902, offering free musical performances to the community for over a century.
This year's concert season runs from June 4 through July 23, with performances taking place each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Maestro Jay S. Gephart, now in his 11th season as Artistic Director and Conductor. Gephart is Purdue University’s Chair of Bands and Orchestras and is also the Music Director of the Indiana Wind Symphony.
These concerts provide a regular opportunity for residents to enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting during the summer months. In the event of rain, performances will move to the Kokomo High School Auditorium; relocation decisions are made after 5 p.m. on concert days.
The 2025 concert schedule includes a range of musical themes and guest appearances:
June 4 – "Music from the Heartland" opens the series, featuring tuba soloist Tony Kniffen from the Indianapolis Symphony and vocalist Cherissa Lawson. The concert will open with a special selection welcoming Kokomo’s new residents from Korea.
June 11 – "C" Songs" highlights a "Side by Side" performance with area high school musicians alongside the band, with vocalists Sally Duke and Sam Duke.
June 18 – "Spotlight on Youth" welcomes guest conductor Steve Pratt, retired Director of Bands from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. The evening includes a featured selection - “Variations on a Korean Folksong” and performance by H.S. Student Solo Winner Ayden Smith on marimba, with a pre-concert performance by the Youth Multicultural Rhythm Ensemble at 7 p.m.
June 25 – "Big Band Night" showcases the KPB Jazz Orchestra, celebrating the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Guest conductor Bethany Robinson, Director of Jazz Studies at Purdue University, leads the performance, featuring vocalist Cherresa Lawson and top jazz musicians from Central Indiana. The All-County HS Jazz Band will perform a pre-concert set at 7 p.m.
July 2 – "We the People, One Nation" offers a patriotic program, including a flag ceremony by the Albert Shockey Marine Corps League Color Guard and the "Armed Forces Salute."
July 9 – "The Greatest Show on Earth" features music of the circus, with college solo winner Kate Mikels on flute, a trombone feature, and the Retired Rum Runners Traditions Jazz Band. An Instrument Petting Zoo with the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will be available at 6:30 p.m., followed by a pre-show by the Kokomo High School Marching Wildkats at 7 p.m.
July 16 – "Brass Band Night: Brass and Barbershop" highlights brass with Glenn Welch on euphonium solo, joined by the Kokomo Men of Note Barbershop Chorus.
The main summer series concludes on July 23 with “And the Oscar Goes to…” featuring music from award-winning movies and vocalist Sally Duke.
A special Post-Season Performance "The G.O.A.T." ("Greatest of All Time" music selections), is scheduled for Sunday, August 31, at 7 p.m. This performance will feature flute soloist Trudy Whitford.
Concert sponsors include Caron & Jones Dental Care, Community First Bank of Indiana, Cone Palace, Primrose Retirement Community, Bayliff, Harrigan, Cord, Maugans & Cox P.C, cfc Advisers, Inc., McGavic Outdoor Power, Stout Funeral Homes, and Encompass Credit Union.
The Kokomo Park Band's ability to present its long-standing series of free concerts relies on broad community support. Concerts are produced with assistance from entities such as the Kokomo Parks Department, Community Foundation of Howard County, Center Township Trustee, The Arts Federation, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation. Additional activities receive support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Individual donations represent the majority of the band's funding. Contributions help sustain this local tradition and can be sent to Kokomo Park Band; PO Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039, or made online at www.kokomoparkband.org.