Summer Soundtrack in the Heart of Kokomo series
Running from June through September, the 2025 Kokomo Summer Concert Series will bring together top-tier national and regional acts alongside local food vendors and community activities, creating unforgettable evenings of live music.
Kokomo’s Summer Concert Series is free and open to everyone. Along with incredible live music, concert-goers can enjoy local food, drinks and a welcoming outdoor atmosphere. The evenings are smoke-free and family-friendly, ideal for those on a date night or spending time with family or friends. All shows will be at the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion at Foster Park, 721 E. Superior St. While there is some seating available, those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and blanket for a perfect evening under the stars.
Saturday, June 7:
(Music will begin at 6 p.m.)
Summer Concert Kickoff featuring The Blooze Brothers with opener Tyler Lance Walker Gill
The Blooze Brothers is a high-powered, choreographed 11-piece show band from Chicago known for its dynamic performances spanning swing, Motown, soul, R&B, and classic rock.
Tyler Lance Walker Gill delivers high-energy honky-tonk music with a sharp wit, blending classic country influences with modern storytelling.
Dive deeper into the bands
The Blooze Brothers have been one of Chicagoland’s most in-demand show bands for over three decades. They honor the music created by the original Blues Brothers in movies, TV, and recordings, while capturing the spirit of their performances — fusing traditional blues, soul, and rock. The Blooze Brothers’ stage show is a high-energy tribute, blending these musical traditions to entertain audiences in Chicago and beyond.
The band features two charismatic frontmen, a dynamic female lead singer, and some of Chicago’s top musicians, including a horn section that delivers the iconic sound of the Blues Brothers with precision. Their performances span a wide range of genres, from swing and Motown to soul, R&B, and classic rock, ensuring a musical experience that appeals to all tastes.
Over the years, the Blooze Brothers have performed for major corporations like Microsoft and Kraft, as well as at renowned venues such as Soldier Field and the House of Blues. They have also performed at numerous festivals, theaters, and private events, including a special performance representing the State of Illinois at a Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC.
With their combination of talented performers and commitment to delivering high-energy shows, the Blooze Brothers continue to be a beloved fixture in the Chicago music scene, bringing the timeless music and antics of the original Blues Brothers to life for new generations of fans.
Tyler Lance Walker Gill, a Kentucky native hailing from Bullitt County, is a honky tonk evangelist dedicated to spreading the gospel of country music to bar rooms far and wide.
He crafts drinkin’ songs for drinkin’ people, embodying the essence of classic honky tonk. Gill’s upbringing was steeped in country music; his aunt operated the Mount Washington Opry, where he was regularly exposed to classic country performances. This early immersion influenced his musical path, leading him to write and perform songs that resonate with working-class life and small-town charm.
His self-titled debut album, released in 2020, introduced audiences to his authentic sound, followed by his 2023 album Glamour, which further showcased his storytelling prowess.
Among his well-known tracks are “So Called Christian Politicians,” a candid critique of hypocrisy in politics, and “Go to Hell,” which exemplifies his sharp wit and traditional country style. Gill’s music continues to captivate audiences, offering a genuine reflection of life’s highs and lows through the lens of honky tonk.
Saturday, July 19:
(Music will begin at 5 p.m.)
Holler in the Heartland featuring John R. Miller, The Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle, and Darrin Hacquard
Headlining this evening of Americana music will be John R. Miller, a West Virginia-based singer-songwriter celebrated for his blend of country, blues, and folk-rock.
A Cincinnati Americana/folk band, The Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle will bring its energetic, roots-driven sound, while Darrin Hacquard’s storytelling and diverse musical styles will bring old time, psyche-rock, country, and spaghetti western vibes to the stage.
Dive deeper into the bands
John R. Miller is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from the Shenandoah Valley in West Virginia. Renowned for his intricate wordplay and evocative storytelling, his music blends elements of country, blues, and rock, creating a sound that feels both raw and timeless.
Miller’s musical journey began with co-founding the band Prison Book Club, which released several albums and helped shape his distinctive songwriting style. He has also collaborated with artists like Tyler Childers, who has praised him as “a well-traveled wordsmith mapping out the world he’s seen, three chords at a time.”
As a solo artist, Miller has released multiple albums that showcase his thoughtful lyrics and compelling melodies. His latest album, Heat Comes Down, delves into themes of anxiety, love, and perseverance, reflecting his personal experiences and observations.
Influenced by the Appalachian music community and legendary songwriters like John Prine, Miller’s music captures the struggles and beauty of everyday life. Whether performing with a full band or in an intimate acoustic setting, his songs resonate with honesty and depth, making him a standout voice in modern Americana.
Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle is a four-piece Americana and folk band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in 2013. The band blends traditional early American music with contemporary, foot-stomping rhythms. The core members include founding members Matt Wabnitz (Buffalo Wabs) and Casey Campbell, along with Scott Risner and Matt’s brother, Ben Wabnitz. Their music is inspired by iconic artists like Lead Belly, John Prine, Woody Guthrie, and Willy Tea Taylor, creating a unique and deep-rooted sound.
Buffalo Wabs and the Price Hill Hustle, the band’s most recent, self-titled, album, features songs such as “Vagabond’s Lament,” “Angeline The Baker,” and other songs with a folksy sound and storytelling. In addition, they released a single titled “Just Another Christmas” in 2021, recorded in Lebanon, Ohio.
Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle continue to captivate audiences with their authentic sound and live performances, making their mark in the Americana scene.
Darrin Hacquard writes songs that connect. He’s funny, tortured, melancholy, and joyous. Sometimes he’s all of these at once. It’s an uncanny gift for empathy. He can see characters for not just what they are, but what they hope to be.
His sonic landscapes are as diverse as the lyrical subjects that populate his songs. From Old Time, to Psyche-Rock, to Country, to Spaghetti Western, Darrin builds stories in a way that only he can, and tells them with unflinching vision and kindness.
Hacquard reflects his experimental nature in his albums and songs. Taking My Time features reflective and storytelling-rich tracks, showcasing his blend of country and Americana influences. With The Long Way Down, Hacquard further refined his ability to merge folk and rock sounds with deep, emotional lyrics. Songs like “Sands of Time” and “The Long Way Down” stand out for their introspective and evocative storytelling.
Saturday, Sept. 27:
(Music will begin at 5 p.m.)
End of Summer Banger featuring Everclear, Local H and Sponge
The evening’s headliner, Everclear is a legendary alternative rock band known for its ’90s hits “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.”
Joining them will be Local H, an innovative rock duo from Illinois that’s recognized for its unique setup and distinctive sound.
Sponge will round out the evening of rock with its memorable hits “Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)” from the ‘90s, delivering a nostalgic yet energetic performance.
Dive deeper into the bands
Everclear is an American rock band formed in 1992 in Portland, Oregon, by lead vocalist and guitarist Art Alexakis. Throughout their career, the lineup has included bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Greg Eklund, among others. The band’s music combines elements of rock, alternative rock, and post-grunge.
Since 1992, Everclear has released eleven studio albums, including the platinum-selling Sparkle and Fade that features the hit single “Santa Monica.” The band has also had twelve Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, as well as a 1998 Grammy nomination.
Everclear’s music reflects their adaptability and resilience in the rock genre, with each album offering a unique perspective on their musical journey.
Local H is an American alternative rock duo formed in 1990 in Zion, Illinois, comprising Scott Lucas (vocals, guitar) and Ryan Harding (drums). Initially a trio, the band gained prominence in the 1990s with their distinctive blend of grunge and alternative rock.
With edgy albums such as Whatever Happened to P.J. Soles? and Pack Up the Cats, Local H’s music reflects their resilience and adaptability, maintaining a dedicated fan base through their raw performances and evolving musical style.
Sponge is a Detroit-based alternative rock band that emerged in the early ’90s, known for blending grunge, punk, and hard rock influences. Their debut album Rotting Pinata produced the iconic single “Plowed,” which became a staple of ’90s rock radio.
Follow-up albums like Wax Ecstatic and The Man continued to showcase their diverse sound, with tracks like “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)” and “Wax Ecstatic.” The band remains influential in the alternative scene, with a loyal fanbase and an evolving musical style.
STAY TUNED FOR THE COMPLETE 2025 SERIES LINEUP!
About the Venue
The Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion, located downtown in Foster Park, provides quality, free entertainment for our community and Central Indiana. The outdoor pavilion is home to the Kokomo Summer Concert Series and other events throughout the year, and it is conveniently located within walking distance of several restaurants and shops in downtown Kokomo.
Visitors to the pavilion are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Foster Park is located at 721 W. Superior St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Top 6 Things You Should Know
Make the most of your trip to Kokomo!
Live music, festivals, local dining, eclectic nightlife and unique shopping. Set against a backdrop of historic buildings and public art spaces, the city center is home to unique experiences and tastes.
Authentic Italian favorites, burgers, barbecue, craft beer and cocktails, and of course, the Indiana favorite – the breaded tenderloin. You’ll find it all here in Kokomo!

Plan to stay in Kokomo after the concert! Enjoy a comfortable stay in one of Kokomo’s many hotels. There are rooms and suites to fit any budget, just minutes from downtown.
While you’re here for the Summer Concert Series, make sure to check out all the other awesome things happening in Kokomo. Visit our calendar for fun things to do for you and your family.