The Kokomo Park Band will present its annual Big Band Night on Wednesday, June 24, at the Highland Park band shell in Kokomo, Indiana.
A Substack post from the band explains the event is themed “America’s Gift to the World – Jazz” as part of a season celebrating “America at 250,” and is sponsored by the Primrose Retirement Community of Kokomo.
Guest conductor Dr. Lissa Fleming May of Indiana University will lead the hybrid ensemble, joined on stage by returning vocalists Gary Wallyn and Cherresa Lawson.
The evening opens at 7 p.m. with the KPB Howard County All‑Star Student Jazz Band, organized by band member Jeremy Snyder and directed by jazz trumpeter Bruce Knepper.
At 7:30 p.m., the program includes a high‑energy rendition of George Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band,” Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade,” Neil Hefti’s “Cute,” and Irving Berlin’s “Cheek to Cheek,” sung by Wallyn.
Lawson will perform “Heart and Soul” and “A‑Tisket, A‑Tasket,” while the set also features a bass trombone showcase on “Sweet Lorraine,” Chuck Mangione’s “Land of Make Believe,” and a bossa nova rendition of “Chega De Saudade.” The concert concludes with Count Basie’s “Vine Street Rumble,” Vernon Duke’s “April in Paris,” and Don Gibson’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” arranged by Quincy Jones.
The free, family‑friendly concert will provide children’s coloring sheets and popcorn, and will relocate to the Kokomo High School auditorium if inclement weather occurs, with updates posted on Facebook, the band’s website, or by calling 765‑319‑8554.
The performance is part of the weekly Summer Concert Series presented with the Kokomo Parks Department and several local foundations, and admission is free, funded by individual and business donations.
For more information, visit kokomolantern.substack.com.