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Back by popular demand, the sharp-witted and talented musicians of Dueling Pianos will offer an unforgettable evening Friday, Sept. 19, when they headline the 2025 Scholarships for Student Success fundraiser at Ivy Tech Kokomo.

The audience will be entertained by a high-energy, all-request, sing-along, clap-along, rock ’n’ roll show designed to raise funds to support students across the six Hoosier counties in Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area.

“After multiple sold-out visits, the Dueling Pianos event has become a community favorite,” said Kelly Karickhoff, vice chancellor of development and community engagement for the service area that includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski, and Tipton counties. “We’re thrilled to bring them back for another night where the audience is just as much a part of the show as the entertainers.”

Karickhoff said this year’s goal is to raise $50,000 to provide direct support for Ivy Tech students, funds that can remove financial barriers and help them stay on track to complete their education.

“Every ticket purchased, every song requested, and every dollar donated helps open the door to higher education for a student in our community,” Karickhoff said. “When our neighbors, businesses, and organizations come together like this, we’re not just funding scholarships, we’re investing in futures. The students whose lives are changed here will go on to strengthen our local workforce, our neighborhoods, and our economy.”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. in Hingst Hall on the Ivy Tech Kokomo Campus with the program starting promptly at 6 p.m. The evening will feature Dueling Pianos, dinner catered by Rozzi’s Catering, a cash bar, and a live scholarship “auction.”

Tickets for the Scholarships for Student Success are $50 each and may be purchased at https://link.ivytech.edu/2025DuelingPianosKokomo or by calling Miriam Thomas of the Ivy Tech Foundation at 765-252-5500. Tickets will be available until Thursday, Sept. 11, unless sold out sooner.

“As every key is needed for a pianist to make music, education is the key to successful futures for our students and our communities,” Karickhoff added. “This event gives participants many opportunities to change a student’s life through their support.”

Sponsors already confirmed for this year’s event include: 4C Health, Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, Berry IT, Chariot Automotive Group, Bucheri McCarty & Metz LLP, City of Kokomo, Clayborn Studios, Community Howard Regional Health, Duke Energy, RD Filip, First Farmers Bank & Trust Company, Haynes International, Howard County Government, Huston Electric, IBEW Local 873, Indiana University Kokomo, Johnson Agency, Mike and Kelly Karickhoff, Kokomo Common Council, Kokomo Grain Inc., Kokomo School Corporation, Scott and Cheryl Maple, Miami County Economic Development Authority, Mid-America Beverage, NIPSCO, Rozzi’s Catering, Security Federal Savings Bank, Smith Financial, Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union, Soupley’s Wine and Spirits, and The Wyman Group.

“Whether you can endow a scholarship, sponsor the event, or join us for a fun night, your participation makes a difference,” Karickhoff said. “It’s casual attire, so bring your friends, bring cash for song requests, and be ready for hilarious challenges and great music—all to benefit Ivy Tech students.”

Those unable to attend may still support students by donating at ivytech.edu/givenow or calling 765-252-5500.