Kokomo Park Band season continues with annual big band night

The Kokomo Park Band’s summer concert season continues Wednesday with “Basie, Straight Ahead,” the group’s annual big band night.

Dr. Marion “Mo” Trout, who recently retired as director of Purdue jazz bands, will lead the concert in Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St. The performance is free to attend and begins at 7:30 p.m.

Coloring materials will be provided for kids, and Morning Star Church will serve refreshments.

The Kokomo Park Band’s big band night is one of the most popular shows each season. Several decades of swing and big band jazz will be represented.

As the concert’s title suggests, it will primarily celebrate the legacy of the legendary bandleader and pianist, Count Basie.

“Beyond the smooth melodies and driving rhythms, Basie’s music pulsated with a life all its own,” a press release from the Park Band stated. “His orchestra, renowned for their precision and unmatched rhythmic interplay, transcended racial barriers in a segregated America, fostering a sound that united audiences.”

Selections from the bandleader will include “The Heat’s On,” “The Spirit is Willing,” “The Queen Bee,” “Soft as Velvet,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” “Hay Burner,” “Basie Straight Ahead” and “Magic Flea.”

Featured vocalist Cherresa Lawson, who directs the award-winning Kokomo High School choirs, will join the band for performances of “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Only You” and “You Can Have It.”

Other notable musicians include Kokomo-native Bethany Robinson, who was recently named the new director of jazz program at Purdue University, pianist Tim Edward and percussionist Art Reiner.

In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Kokomo High School Auditorium, 2501 S. Berkley Road.

The Park Band is primarily funded through donations. Contributions can be made online at https://www.kokomoparkband.org/ or sent in the mail to PO Box 6039, Kokomo, IN, 46904-6039.