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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 more than a century.
This year’s concert season runs from June 3 through July 22, with performances taking place each Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Maestro Jay S. Gephart, now in his 12th season as Artistic Director and Conductor. Gephart, a world-class artist who led an international tour of Spain this past March with the Purdue Wind Ensemble, 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 (except for select dates); relocation decisions are made after 5 p.m. on concert days.
The 2026 concert schedule includes a range of musical themes and guest appearances, celebrating the theme of “America at 250”:
June 3 – “The British Are Coming” opens the series, offering a tribute to the nation’s transatlantic roots with the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Philip Sparke alongside stage favorites by Andrew Lloyd Webber and featuring soloist Todd McCready on Euphonium. This performance is sponsored by Caron & Jones Dental Care.
June 10 – “America: Melting Pot—The Spirit of the Nation” celebrates diverse cultural traditions. It highlights a “Side by Side” performance with top area high school musicians performing alongside their adult mentors, featuring saxophone soloist Neil Broeker and vocalist Sally Duke. In the event of rain, this performance will move to the Northwestern Auditorium. It is sponsored by Community First Bank of Indiana.
June 17 – “America – From Sea to Shining Sea” welcomes guest conductor Dr. Eric Scott, Director of Bands at Indiana State University. The Spotlight on Youth Concert features trombone soloist John Huntoon and a pre-concert demonstration at 6:45 p.m. by the Youth Multicultural Rhythm Ensemble under the direction of Art Reiner. This evening is sponsored by Cone Palace.
June 24 – “America’s Gift to the World – Jazz” showcases the annual Big Band Night with the KPB Swing Orchestra, celebrating Central Indiana’s top jazz musicians. Guest conductor Dr. Lissa May, Associate Dean from the IU Jacobs School of Music, leads the performance, featuring vocalists Cherresa Lawson and Gary Wallyn. The All Howard County All-Star H.S. Jazz Band will perform a special pre-concert set at 7:00 p.m. This evening is sponsored by Primrose Retirement Community.
July 1 – “Soundtrack of a Nation - Celebrating Freedom” commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence with a stirring collection of marches, trumpet soloist Bruce Knepper, guest vocalists Cherresa Lawson and J’Lan Stewart, The Albert E. Shockey Marine Corps League Color Guard, and a Salute to Veterans of our Armed Forces. This performance is sponsored by Bayliff, Harrigan, Cord, Maugans, & Cox P.C.
July 8 – “American Innovation - The Birth of Flight” delivers a high-flying tribute to the pioneers of the skies featuring the music of John Williams and Sousa. The performance showcases the Kokomo High School Marching Wildkats and High School Student Solo Competition Winner Zander Bowers on clarinet. An Instrument “Petting Zoo” for kids begins at 6:30 p.m. This evening is sponsored by Andy Roller, Comprehensive Planning Corp.
July 15 – “America Center Stage” presents a spectacular tribute to the American stage, from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Hamilton, featuring vocalists Jana Gephart, rapper Zion Smith along with the Kokomo Men of Note. This evening is sponsored by McGavic Outdoor Power Equipment.
July 22 – “America’s Composers - The Heart of a Nation” concludes the main summer series with a symphonic journey honoring 250 years of creativity through the works of John Williams, Copland, Bernstein, and Sousa. This performance is sponsored by Stouts Funeral Home and Crematory.
A special post-season “Labor Day Celebration” performance by the KPB Gazebo Band & Friends is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m. (with Northwestern Auditorium serving as the rain location) . This concert is sponsored by 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, Indiana Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.
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.