'And the Oscar Goes to ..." is a star-studded season finale July 23

The Kokomo Park Band (KPB) will embark on a dazzling musical journey through Hollywood with its final Wednesday evening concert of the season, titled “And the Oscar Goes to…,” on Wednesday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. This free program is generously sponsored by Stout Funeral Homes and Crematory and will feature the talents of trumpeter Bruce Knepper and vocalist Sally Duke.

Celebrating its 123rd season of weekly summer concerts, the KPB also marks Maestro Jay Gephart’s 11th year as Artistic Director and Conductor. Maestro Gephart, who holds the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands and Orchestras and is Director of Bands at Purdue University, recently completed his inaugural year as conductor of the Indiana Wind Symphony, performing regularly at the Palladium in Carmel, IN.

The concert program is a tribute to Academy Award-winning cinema, with all selections drawn from acclaimed films. Featured pieces include music from “The Mask of Zorro” (Nominated 1998), “Bridge on the River Kwai” (Won 1958), “Patton” (Won 1971), “Symphonic Dances from Fiddler on the Roof” (Won 1972), and “Selections from Encanto” (Won 2022).

Audience favorite Sally Duke, known for her performances at KPB concerts and Music at the Fairgrounds, will grace the stage to sing “Let It Go” from Frozen (Won 2014). Joining her is guest soloist Bruce Knepper, a native of Logansport, Indiana, who will perform “With Malice Toward None” from Lincoln (Won 2013) by John Williams.

Mr. Knepper retired as the assistant director of bands at Lafayette Jefferson High School in 2021. He began playing with the Kokomo Park Band in 1980 while still in high school. He earned his music education degree from Valparaiso University and his Master's degree in trumpet performance from Indiana University. Mr. Knepper frequently performs as a soloist at weddings, and also plays with the Kokomo Symphony, Lafayette Citizens Band, Lafayette Symphony, and various Indianapolis-area bands, including Los Blancos Latin Jazz Band.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has worked with notable artists such as Bobby Vinton, Mary Wilson & the Supremes, Bob Newhart, Anne Murray, The Manhattan Transfer, and Marie Osmond. His early professional career included playing trumpet at Kings Island theme park and four years performing on cruise ships with lines such as Carnival, Holland America, and Princess Cruises.

The concert will conclude with “Hollywood Milestones,” a whirlwind medley of themes from iconic films including Jaws (Won 1976), Love Story (Won 1971), Star Trek (Won 2010), Raiders of the Lost Ark (Won 1982), Chariots of Fire (Won 1982), Back to the Future (Won 1986), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Won 1983), Beauty and the Beast (Won 1992), Jurassic Park (Won 1994), Forrest Gump (Won 1995), and Apollo 13 (Won 1996).

Following this week’s concert, the band will take a brief break, returning on Sunday, August 31, at 7 p.m. for a concert titled “The G.O.A.T,” celebrating Labor Day weekend. Next week, the Kokomo Men of Note Barbershop Chorus will perform in the same time slot at Highland Park.

The KPB concert series is presented in cooperation with the Kokomo Parks Department, Community Foundation of Howard County, Center Township, the Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, the Arts Federation in cooperation with the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, and American Legion Post #6.

These events are made possible by the generous donations from individuals and area businesses who are fans and supporters of the band. Contributions can be sent to Kokomo Park Band; PO Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039. More information can be found on the band's website: www.kokomoparkband.org and on Facebook.