Kokomo, Ind. (March 2, 2018) – The city of Kokomo is proud to present its 2018 free admission summer concert series at Foster Park Amphitheater in downtown Kokomo. This year’s lineup will feature a strong mix of legendary hits and headliners across a wide spectrum of genres including Josh Kaufman, The Romantics, Walker Hayes tributes to Fleetwood Mac and Paul McCartney 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 announce the 2018 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 2018 season include:
Sat, June 9 – Carver Center Summer Celebration featuring Josh Kaufman. As winner of the sixth season of The Voice, the Indianapolis-based singer/songwriter possesses a stunning range and singular power to capture pure emotion. Also a longtime guitarist and piano player, Kaufman is now gearing up to release a debut album that channels his rich vocal work into a gracefully catchy blend of soul, funk, R&B, rock, and classic pop. Kaufman will open the 2018 Kokomo concert series with special guests The Sweetwater All Stars.
The Haynes Apperson Festival will return in 2018 and take place on June 29 and 30. Additional details will be announced at a later time.
Sat, July 21 – HOG Fest featuring The Romantics – Wally Palmar, Mike Skill, Rich Cole and Brad Elvis will be stopping in Kokomo on their summer tour. The Romantics formed in 1977 and are widely known for their rock and pop hits, iconic songwriting and style. Some of their best-known, chart topping work includes “What I Like About You,” “One In A Million, ”and “Talking in your Sleep.” Palmar has also been a touring member of Ringo Starr & His All-Star Band and member of the super group Empty Hearts. The show will feature special guests 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, July 28 – Rhumfest – This annual event will feature Kokomo area favorites including several of the best current and former student musicians from Rhum Academy and a performance by WLRS, which features Gary Rhum on vocals and lead guitar; Sami Soutar on vocals, piano and guitar; Ethan Wallsmith on bass and James Lightsey on the drums. Rhumfest will start at 3:00 p.m.
Sat, August 11 – Weberfest featuring country singer Walker Hayes takes the stage performing from his studio album boom. Walker Hayes uses the word often. “It just felt right,” the breakout country singer says of the title for his highly anticipated new album. It’s a celebratory sort of thing. A new radio station adds his buzzing single, “You Broke Up With Me.” boom. He links up for a national tour with Thomas Rhett. boom. That rowdy performance at CMA Fest –the one that had the crowd singing every word of his music back to him? boom. It wasn’t always this way. Not by a long shot. Lately, though, Hayes has had occasion to bust out the word often. And he’s not complaining.
A confessional, no-nonsense singer-songwriter, and one whose voice and perspective brims with relatability, Hayes is a tried-and-true Nashville standout. He’s an original in a town all-too-often rife with mimicry and compromise. And, now, he has audiences flocking to him in a major way. He will be joined by the country sister duo from Indiana called Walker County.
Sat, September 15 – Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney with the Kokomo Symphony. Join the Kokomo Symphony for an evening of Paul McCartney’s greatest hits. Singer and Recording artist, Tony Kishman is the creator and band leader of “Live and Let Die,” a full multimedia experience celebrating the music of Paul McCartney and featuring an amazing line-up of world class musicians. He has been performing his award winning show to the most successful band of all time around the globe for more than a decade, brining the music and magic of both the Beatles and Paul McCartney to a new generation, earning raves by “Beatlemaniacs” for his uncanny resemblance both visually and vocally to the beloved Beatle.
Sat. September 22: Octoberfest – Rumours: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Rumours is the country’s premier Fleetwood Mac tribute band. Based in Atlanta, GA, Rumours captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career by blending perfect harmonies, precise instrumentation, and a visually engaging stage show. A special guest for this show will be announced at a later time.
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.
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