'Greatest Show on Earth' in Highland Park

Kokomo Park Band channels the circus July 9; instrument petting zoo, KHS marching band featured

The Kokomo Park Band (KPB) is thrilled to announce "The Greatest Show on Earth" as the theme for its upcoming concert on Wednesday, July 9, at 7:30 PM, at the Highland Park Stage. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening of whimsical circus music and exciting pre-show festivities.

The fun kicks off at 6:30 PM with an Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids can explore and try out various band and orchestra instruments. This engaging activity is presented in partnership with the Kokomo Symphony and Sound of Music store. At 7:10 PM, get a special preview performance from the Kokomo High School Marching Wildkats, as they debut music from their 2025 summer competition show, "Charlotte's Web."

Under the baton of Maestro Jay Gephart, with Curt Alexander serving as ringmaster, the KPB will perform a captivating concert of circus-themed music. The program will feature familiar selections that evoke the nostalgic days of the circus, fair, and carnival, celebrating an era when live music by famous composers entertained crowds.

A highlight of the evening will be a performance by flutist Kate Michels, the KPB Collegiate Solo Competition Winner. Michels, a 2025 graduate of Taylor University, will perform “Carmen Fantasie Brilliante” by Francois Borne, based on opera themes by Bizet. Michels, who majored in Computer Science with minors in music, Spanish, and honors, studied flute with KPB’s principal flutist Trudy Whitford during her time at Taylor. She'll be moving to Indianapolis to begin a role as a Software Engineer with SEP.

The International Circus Hall of Fame Museum from Peru will also be on-site with an information booth and display items. The evening's musical selections include:

“In the Center Ring” by Robert Sheldon: A musical snapshot of a circus performance, from the madcap antics of jugglers and clowns to the elegance of high-wire performers.

“Clowns, Clowns, Clowns” by David Bobrowitz: A tribute to the fun-spirited clowns, capturing the joyous atmosphere of the circus.

“Runaway Circus Train” by Erik Morales: A highly programmatic work that starts with a circus waltz before chaos ensues as the train speeds to its next destination, incorporating familiar melodies like "Camptown Races" and "Over the Waves."

“The Melody Shop” by Karl King: One of King's most famous original compositions, a popular march written for the "Robinson Famous Shows" circus, capturing the essence of the circus with fun melodies and swift harmonies.

“Circus Franticus” by Julie Giroux: A fast-action, melodramatic piece that takes the listener on a musical tour of the circus, bringing to life elephants, horses, clowns, dog acts, and high-flying trapeze artists.

“Circus Band” by Charles Ives: A stirring quickstep march that enacts a boy's excitement at a circus parade, featuring unexpected rhythmic twists and syncopations.

Selections from "Greatest Showman" arranged by Paul Murtha: A dramatic and exciting medley from the hit movie's soundtrack, including "The Greatest Showman," "Never Enough," "A Million Dreams," "This Is Me," and "From Now On."

“Midnight Fire Alarm” by Harry Lincoln: An electrifying composition that takes listeners on a heart-pounding journey through the chaos and urgency of a midnight fire alarm.

“The Klaxon” by Henry Fillmore: A well-known march composed for the Cincinnati Auto Show, dedicated to the producers of the Klaxon Automobile Horns, featuring interesting melodies and countermelodies.

Children are especially welcome at KPB concerts and will be provided with coloring sheets and crayons to enjoy during the performance. This event is generously sponsored by CFD Advisers.

Event Details:

What: "The Greatest Show on Earth" Kokomo Park Band Concert

When: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

6:30 PM: Instrument Petting Zoo

7:10 PM: Kokomo High School Marching WildKats Preview

7:30 PM: Kokomo Park Band Concert

Where: Highland Park Stage, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo, IN 46902

Cost: Free

In the event of rain, the concert will move to the Kokomo High School (South Campus) Auditorium. Location changes will be announced after 5 PM on the Kokomo Park Band Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/kokomoparkband), their website (www.kokomoparkband.org), and via 765-319-8554.

KPB concerts are produced in cooperation with American Legion Post #6, The Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Community Foundation of Howard County, The Arts Federation, the Indiana Arts Commission with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Kokomo Parks Department. The majority of the band's funding relies on donations from individuals. Contributions can be sent to: Kokomo Park Band; PO Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039. For more information, please visit the Kokomo Park Band's Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/kokomoparkband) or their website (www.kokomoparkband.org).