This article is brought to you by the Committee to Elect Joni Delon. Joni is proud to have received several endorsements this fall, including Indiana’s Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. She also recently received support from Howard County Commissioner Jack Dodd.
“I support Joni as Kokomo City Councilwoman for my District,” said Dodd. “Her leadership, commitment, and willingness to get the job done makes her the person for our district. She has already shown her volunteerism throughout our community. Vote Joni DeLon for City Council.”
What goes great with good food? Art and music, of course. That's what led local artist J.C. Barnett III and Yoke Social Table's Elvin Gutierrez to put together Jazz & Art Night at Yoke Social Table, 1928 S. Washington St., a block north of the IU Kokomo campus, on Wed., Oct. 18.
"This idea came through a conversation I had with the owner of Yoke, Elvin Gutierrez," said Barnett. "He and I share a love for music, art, and food, and decided that we should do an event that centers around those things."
The event will be a family night, featuring music from DJ Justin Pugh, Darnell Smith, and Gary Rhum.
"The idea is to just create a vibe. Jazz music is a genre of music I appreciate so much because it can set the tone of the room so quickly and easily."
While the music is playing, three artists, including Barnett, will paint in front of the crowd, so that people can observe the creations while they eat and socialize.
"We're not rushing, putting anyone on the spot to complete the piece within their hour timeframe; just to work leisurely and enjoy the time they have to put their gift on display," said Barnett.
The event runs from 6-9 p.m., and IU Kokomo students with school ID will eat free. Everyone else who intends to stay for the music and art will receive 10 percent off their food order.
Barnett added, "I encourage families to bring their kids and to stay and support as long as they can. It'll be a wonderful time."
Kokomo Symphony cuts ribbon on 50 years
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has enjoyed a 50-year relationship with the local community, and last week it “renewed its vows” with a ceremonial ribbon cutting to commemorate the organization’s golden anniversary.
Symphony board members were joined by the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Tyler Moore at the Howard County Historical Society’s Elliott House, which also serves as the symphony’s headquarters, for the celebration.
"Fifty years," said Anna Maria Shrock, president of the Kokomo Symphonic Board. "We couldn't have made it 50 years without a community that supports this organization. We're hoping to bring 50 more years."
Mayor Moore gave a proclamation at the ribbon cutting, naming the day for the organization.
“The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra has enriched the lives of countless people in our community, not just through performances of classical music, but as a source of pride and inspiration for Kokomo,” said Moore. “KSO has made the education and development of new musicians a priority through youth programs and the Kokomo Symphony youth orchestra.
“In these past 50 years, (they) have achieved the goal of cultivating, nurturing, and enhancing the cultural climate of Kokomo and surrounding region by providing musical programs and experiences that are informative, educational, and entertaining.”
The Kokomo Symphony’s 50th season kicks off this Saturday, and season tickets are now available. Support the symphony by purchasing tickets now. The first concert – Golden Gala – takes place Sat., Oct. 21. Season tickets are $80 for adults, $75 for seniors, and $5 for college students. Students in K-12 and young children are admitted free of charge. Buy tickets before the first concert to save $20. For more information or to order tickets, visit Subscription Events – Kokomo Symphony Orchestra
Shrock explained that the symphony currently is in the midst of a fundraising campaign, hoping to raise $50,000 in 50 days. Already, the campaign has raised more than $37,000 of that goal.
"We've had a really good start," said Shrock. "And we have a fundraiser coming up on Oct. 28 we hope will bulk that up."
The Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will hold its 3rd annual TV Dinner Singalong fundraiser on Sat., Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. at The Experience, 1801 Country Club Dr. Join the orchestra for an evening of dinner, music, trivia, a silent auction, and more. Dinner will be catered by Tanks Catering. Tickets are $60 or $500 for a full table. For tickets, visit www.kokomosymphony.net or call 765-236-0251.