Kokomo Park Band to Showcase Broadway Favorites on July 15

The Kokomo Park Band (KPB) continues its “America at 250” summer concert series on Wednesday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Highland Park bandstand, presenting a theatrical celebration titled “America Center Stage,” sponsored by McGavic Outdoor Power.

The evening will feature vocalists Jana Gephart and Zion Smith alongside the renowned Kokomo Men of Note Barbershop Chorus. Early concertgoers also will be treated to a special pre-concert performance at 7 p.m. by the Kokomo High School Marching Wildkats.

Under the direction of Maestro Jay S. Gephart, the symphonic program opens with Michael Brown’s contemporary medley “Opening Night on Broadway,” which brings modern hits like Wicked and The Lion King to life. Next is Jay Bocook’s high-energy arrangement of Meredith Willson’s “Seventy-Six Trombones,” capturing the full, explosive brass power of the classic showstopper from The Music Man. The band then dives into history with “The Pirates of Penzance,” a sparkling suite of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic maritime melodies originally orchestrated by John Philip Sousa and updated by Keith Brion.

Bringing a modern, revolutionary rhythm to the stage, Michael Brown’s arrangement of “My Shot” from Hamilton features the hip-hop stylings of Zion Smith. A rising junior at Kokomo High School, Smith performs with the award-winning Karisma Singers and boasts several recent KHS theater credits, including Johnny Casino in Grease, Crutchie in Newsies, and a multi-role turn as the Escapologist and Doctor in Matilda.

The joyous energy continues with Charles Sayre’s bright, ragtime-infused arrangement of “No Time At All” from Pippin, celebrating the importance of living life to the fullest. The selection will be sung by guest vocalist Jana Gephart, an educator and performer based in Lafayette, Indiana. Gephart holds a degree in Special Education from Bob Jones University, a background that fueled her nine years of dedication as a sixth-grade teacher at Faith Christian School in Lafayette. An active contributor to the regional arts community, she also lends her voice to the Lafayette Master Chorale.

The musical program then takes a magical flight with Suzanne Welters’ whimsical medley, Highlights from Peter Pan, which weaves together nostalgic Disney favorites like “You Can Fly!” and “The Second Star to the Right.” Shifting to dramatic, sweeping romance, Michael Sweeney’s classic arrangement of The Phantom of the Opera builds the haunting, gothic themes of Broadway’s longest-running hit.

The performance charges toward its conclusion with Charlie Rose’s spirited George M. Cohan Medley, with the Kokomo Men of Note Chorus delivering a toe-tapping, patriotic tribute to the early 20th-century hits that shaped American musical comedy. Finally, John Moss’s grand arrangement of “The Golden Age of Broadway” serves as a magnificent finale, treating the audience to the timeless, sweeping melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s legendary masterpieces.

As always, this concert is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In the event of rain, the performance will move to the Kokomo High School Auditorium; relocation decisions are finalized and announced after 5 p.m. on the day of the concert.

The Kokomo Park Band has a rich musical history dating back to the late 1800s, with its cherished series of weekly summer concerts in Highland Park running continuously since 1902. Committed to providing free, high-quality musical performances and fostering local youth development, the KPB remains a vital cultural institution in Howard County.

Kokomo Park Band concerts are produced in cooperation with The Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Center Township Trustee, Community Foundation of Howard County, the Arts Federation, and the Indiana Arts Commission. Because the majority of the band’s funding depends entirely on local generosity, donations from individuals are greatly appreciated. Contributions may be mailed to Kokomo Park Band, PO Box 6039, Kokomo, IN 46904-6039.

More information and severe weather updates can be found on the organization’s official Facebook page, its website at www.kokomoparkband.org, or by calling 765-319-8554.