Haynes Apperson Festival announces musical lineup
Starship, Ace Frehley, Here Come the Mummies headline three-day event
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One of the community’s most-anticipated announcements is here, with organizers of the Haynes Apperson Festival unveiling an impressive musical lineup for this year’s festival.
“Foster Park will be rocking this summer with three nights of great music that is sure to get everyone on their feet,” said Festival Chairman Paul Wyman. “Kokomo, get ready to rock out with your neighbors at the Haynes Apperson Festival.”
Here Come the Mummies will kick things off at the Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park on Thursday, June 29. A funk band known for high-energy performances and signature costumes, their music is a blend of funk, R&B, and rock, with catchy beats and soulful vocals.
“The Mummies are back by popular demand,” Wyman said. “They’ve become a staple of the festival, and the crowd just can’t get enough of them.”
On Friday, June 30, the legendary Ace Frehley will take the stage. The original guitarist for KISS, Frehley will perform many of the iconic band’s favorites as well as selections from his solo work. Some of his most well-known solo songs include “New York Groove,” “Rip It Out,” and “Into the Night.”
Closing out the festival on Saturday, July 1, will be Starship with Mickey Thomas. You can expect to hear hits from Starship and the original Jefferson Starship, as well as a few selections from Jefferson Airplane as a nod to both bands’ beginnings. Thomas provided the soaring vocals for Starship’s No. 1 hits “We Built This City,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
“We think it’s pretty fitting that Starship is the band that will perform before we light up the night sky with our incredible fireworks show honoring our country,” Wyman said.
If these three great bands weren’t enough, opening for this year’s headliners will be local award-winning bands Love 4 Zero, Hence The Hero and Rogers Ritual Band.
All concerts are free and family-friendly. Those planning to attend the shows are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating around the pavilion.
While the concerts are free, VIP tickets will be available for seating close to the stage for $20 per show or $50 for all three nights. You can purchase VIP tickets starting June 5 at The Wyman Group, 1533 W. Lincoln Road, and Palmer’s Jewelry, 101 E. Sycamore St.
“We couldn’t be more excited for this year’s musical lineup, but live music is just a portion of the many activities planned,” Wyman said. “This festival is a celebration of our community’s rich history and automotive heritage. More than just a celebration of cars, it's a tribute to the ingenuity and passion that have driven our community’s progress and connected us all."
The festival will also feature food vendors, carnival rides, a sports festival, car shows and much more. A local favorite, the Haynes Apperson Parade will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1 in downtown Kokomo.
"It's always wonderful to see the diverse array of cars, floats, and individuals taking part in the parade every year,” Wyman said. “It’s an event that truly fosters a great sense of community pride."
An entire section of the parade will honor veterans and active-duty military personnel.
For more information on the festival, visit haynesappersonfestival.org or stay up-to-date with festival announcements on Facebook at @haynesappersonfestivalofficialpage.