Park Band evokes 'A Kaleidoscope of Color' at IUK
KPB Winter Concert is March 3, featuring J'lan Stewart, John Huntoon, IUK Flute Choir
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The Kokomo Park Band (KPB) will embark on a musical journey through the spectrum of color on Sun., March 3, at 3 p.m. This free concert, titled "A Kaleidoscope of Color," takes place at Havens Auditorium on the campus of IU Kokomo, 2300 S. Washington St.
Under the baton of Jay Gephart, Director of Purdue Bands and Artistic Director of the KPB, the concert features a diverse and captivating program. Talented vocalist J'lan Stewart joins the band, along with trombonist John Huntoon and the IU Kokomo Flute Choir, for a performance that promises to delight audiences of all ages. Adding to the colorful celebration, the lobby will come alive with a special performance by cast members of IU Kokomo's production of "Oklahoma" during intermission.
While admission to the concert is free, the event will serve as a collection point for essential hygiene items and monetary donations to benefit Coordinated Assistance Ministries (CAM), a local non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need. They are seeking donations of shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, 3-in-1 body wash, and feminine hygiene items. Cash donations also will be gratefully accepted.
For those who require transportation to and from the concert, CAM's Howard County Connect van service will be available. Rides can be requested by calling 765-431-1874 on the day of the concert, starting at 1 p.m. The van is equipped with a wheelchair lift to ensure accessibility for all.
For centuries, the connection between sound and color has captivated artists, scientists, and audiences alike. “A Kaleidoscope of Color” delves into this fascinating phenomenon, featuring a captivating selection of pieces inspired by this intriguing relationship.
The program will range from playful works that simply have a color in their title to pieces where the composer drew deep inspiration from a specific color. Whether a seasoned concertgoer or new to the world of classical music, this program promises a delightful and accessible experience for everyone.
Kokomo’s J’lan Stewart will be the featured vocalist at the concert. Stewart, a 2023 graduate of Kokomo High School, isn't new to the spotlight. He received a standing ovation at The Palladium last July for his rendition of "The Impossible Dream" in the Songbook Academy®'s final concert. Selected from 16 states, Stewart was one of only 40 students to participate in this prestigious program. He also performed as a soloist with the Carmel Symphony in November 2023.
Currently pursuing a degree in Human Services at Ivy Tech Community College, Stewart's ultimate goal lies in musical theater. Fueled by his passion for musicals and nurtured during his high school performances in "The Little Shop of Horrors," "Elf the Musical," and "Matilda," he plans to transfer to either the University of Memphis or Indiana University to major in the field.
Stewart's vocal talent transcends the stage. He was an active member of the KHS Kharisma Singers and a recipient of the 2023 Kokomo Musicale Past President Scholarship and the 2023 Tri Kappa Scholarship. J’lan is also a singer/worship leader at Strait Gate Ministry.
Songbook Academy® founder Michael Feinstein, renowned for his dedication to preserving the Great American Songbook, describes J'lan as "a gifted singer and storyteller whose talent is only matched by his passion and authenticity."
Attributing his success to his mother and KHS choir instructor Cherresa Lawson, Stewart aims to "become someone who inspires others" and advocates for those who have been told their voice doesn't matter. At the concert, Stewart will captivate audiences with "Blue Moon" by Rodgers and Hart, followed by an encore performance of his show-stopping rendition of "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha."
Trombonist John Huntoon will perform “Green” from “Colors for Trombone” by Bert Appermont. Huntoon has played with the Kokomo Park Band for 33 years. Born in Columbus, Ohio, John began studying the trombone in the fifth grade after several years of piano lessons with his father. He later received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., and his Master’s degree in Trombone Performance from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Upon completion of his graduate work, Huntoon served as principal trombonist with the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra and was the trombonist for the Southwest Brass Quintet in Phoenix, Ariz. After relocating to Indiana in 1991, John began teaching low brass in public schools in Indianapolis and the surrounding communities.
From 1998 until 2017, Huntoon was on the faculty at Anderson University. His experience in music and teaching led him to assist in the music and choral programs at First Baptist Church in Indianapolis, where his wife is the church vocal soloist. John has directed music at Central Christian Church in Anderson since 2018. He resides in Cicero with his wife, Diana, and golden retriever, Binkley.
The Indiana University Kokomo Flute Choir, under the direction of Trudy Whitford, will perform a colorful rendition of “Beguine for Flutes” by Eric Osterling. The group, in its sixth year of existence, performs for various community events and is open to university students and community members.
Other selections in the concert include “Flying Colors” by Robert Buckle, “Red Cavalry March” by Morton Gould, "Yellow" and "Red" from “Colour Symphony” by Phillip Sparke, “Beyond the Green Meadows” by George Farmer, “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson, “The Black Horse Troop” by John Philip Sousa, and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” arranged by Michael Sweeney.
Also featured are “Fanfare for a New Era” by Pinkzebra, Fantasia on “Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair” by Mark Camphouse, “The Wizard of Oz” arranged by James Barnes, and “The Purple Pageant” by Karl King. “Beale Street Blues” by W.C. Handy will feature KPB’s resident traditional jazz combo known as “The Retired Rum-Runners.”
This Kokomo Park Band concert is produced in cooperation with The Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Center Township Trustee, Community Foundation of Howard County, the Arts Federation, the Indiana Arts Commission with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Indiana University Kokomo.
The majority of the band's funding depends on donations from individuals. Contributions may be sent to Kokomo Park Band; PO Box 6039; Kokomo, IN 46904-6039. More information can be found on Facebook and its website www.kokomoparkband.org.