The city of Kokomo is proud to present its 2019 free admission summer concert series at the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion at Foster Park in downtown Kokomo. This year’s lineup will feature a strong mix of legendary hits and headliners across a wide spectrum of genres including the The Allman Betts Band, Average White Band, Hard Day’s Night, Delta Rae, Sweet Caroline with the Kokomo Symphony and more.
Coinciding with many of the local themed festivals, the summer concert series adds to the community’s lineup of entertaining activities for area families. “The City of Kokomo is once again excited to roll out the annual Kokomo Summer Concert Series lineup of talented artists,” said Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight. “Every year the series attracts Kokomo families and more out-of-town guests to Foster Park and is one of the state’s best entertainment values.”
All concerts are family friendly, ideal for those on a date night or spending time with family or friends. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for each evening packed with fantastic entertainment.
Proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations. Concerts are free to the public.
Summer concerts for the 2019 season include:
Sat, June 1 – Weberfest featuring Delta Rae. Delta Rae an American folk rock band formed in Durham, NC. The band consists of three siblings Ian Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, and Brittany Hölljes, as well as Elizabeth Hopkins, Mike McKee, and Grant Emerson. Their debut album “Carry the Fire” was released on June 19, 2012. It included the singles “Morning Comes”, “Dance in the Graveyards” and “Bottom of the River” which was featured on VH1. Their name hails from a fictional story the Hölljeses’ mother intended to write about a Southern girl named Delta Rae who summons the Greek gods to earth. The show will feature the opening act No Name Blues, a three-man band based out of Nashville, Tn.
Sat, June 8 – Carver Center Summer Celebration featuring Average White Band. Average White Band is considered one of the best funk and soul groups in history. The band is made up of Scottish and American musicians, Onnie McIntrye, Brent Carter, Alan Gorrie, Rocky Bryant and Fred Vigdor. Average White Band has several gold selling albums and countless hits including “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Cut the Cake,” “Cloudy,” and “A Love Of Your Own.” More recently, Average White Band came out with their newest album, “Inside Out,” in February of 2018.
Taking inspiration from R&B heroes such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Donny Hathaway, the band has created their own sound with the influence of their Scottish roots. Average White Band brings a unique musical energy to each of its shows on their extensive tour. Since the band formed in 1965, it has become a multi generational attraction. The show will feature the opening act The Why Store, a well-known and popular 90’s band formed in Muncie, Indiana. The Why Store are known for their hits “Lack Of Water” and “Surround Me” among others.
Sat, June 22 – HOG Fest featuring The Allman Betts Band. After a successful year touring as The Devon Allman Project with special guest Duane Betts – the sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts are joining forces to form The Allman Betts Band.
They will kick off 2019 with a new Allman Betts Band album and a worldwide tour that will feature new music, songs from their solo projects, as well as classic Allman Brothers and Gregg Allman tunes in honor of the 50th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band. The show will feature The Dane Clark Band as an opening act. Dane Clark was born and raised in Anderson, Ind. and has spent the last 23 years as the drummer for John Mellencamp’s Band. In his own band he sings and plays guitar.
July 4, 5 & 6- The Haynes Apperson Festival will return in 2019 and take place on over three days July 4-6. Additional details and performers will be announced at a later time.
Sat, July 27 – Rhumfest – Artists for this event are TBA, but are bound to feature Kokomo area favorites from solo artists to bands. The event will also include favorite past and present musicians out of the Rhum Academy. The event is set to start at 3:00 p.m.
Sat, Aug 17 – Kokomo Symphony show featuring Sweet Caroline (A tribute to Neil Diamond). The “Sweet Caroline Tour” is a Neil Diamond Concert Celebration starring the #1 Diamond performer in the world – Jay White. It is without question the most authentic Neil Diamond Concert Experience on the planet as it features Jay backed by a 10-piece musical ensemble that includes key members of Neil Diamond’s Tour Band.
Sat, Sep 21 – Octoberfest featuring Hard Day’s Night (Beatles Tribute). Since 1996, Hard Day’s Night has been entertaining Beatles fans across the country. Coming out of the rock n’ roll city of Cleveland, Ohio, Hard Day’s Night is considered one of the premiere Beatles tribute groups today. The group consists Mike and Frank Muratore, John Auker, and Patrick Gannon as the Band, with lead sound engineer Nate Lockwood. Hard Day’s Night has had the pleasure of performing for thousands of Beatles fans in England and the United States, including such national clients as Continental Airlines, Hard Rock Cafe, Hilton Hotels, Volkswagen of America, and the American Heart Association. The show will feature opening act The Jhonny and Sallie Show.
About Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion:
Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion is an outdoor music venue located at the corner of Washington and Superior Streets in downtown Kokomo, Ind. The summer concert series is an annual event featuring live music shows in a festive, family-friendly environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. All proceeds of the summer concert series benefit local nonprofit organizations.