Celebrating the Arts in Kokomo

From concerts to art shows to musicals, Kokomo has a lot to offer.  The 2008-09 season is in full swing and I thought I would give a brief overview of what is to come.  Ticket prices are very reasonable, so plan to attend one of these great shows during your next trip!

Kokomo Civic Theatre just finished its production of Neil Simon’s Rumors and will be performing We Need a Little Christmas on December 5 & 6.  They will also have a Valentine’s Day show and will end their season with the classic musical Annie Get Your Gun in April. 

Kokomo Symphony Orchestra will have a busy year full of mini-concerts and youth symphony performances.  Their season will begin with a patriotic concert featuring the Retired Rum Runners Dixieland Band on Nov. 7.  They will also present two holiday concerts in December and continue their musical season right into May.

Kokomo Community Concerts pride themselves in bringing world-class entertainment to Kokomo.  The group will present Emmy award winning comic and musician Dale Gonyea on Nov. 15.  Other musicians coming to Kokomo include Mediterranean guitarist and composer Pavlo, the Celtic/Jazz/Classical group Pianafiddle, Jade Simmons, and the New Orleans jazz band The Side Street Strutters.

Curtain Call Children’s Theatre features local kids in their productions and has a fun schedule coming up this season.  The musical There’s a Monster in the Closet will be held on Nov. 21-23.  Other shows include Blather, Blarney, & Balderdash inspired by Irish folk & fairy tales and the classic Hansel and Gretel.

Eastern Howard Performing Arts Society will feature several shows in their children’s series, including Junie B. Jones and The Color of Justice.  They will hopefully return next season with a full line-up of performers and musical acts.

Kokomo Park Band, known for their annual summer concerts in Highland Park, will present their winter concert on Feb. 15.  The summer concert series will begin in June.

“Writing on the Walls: Exploring Graffiti and Democracy in the USA” is currently on exhibit at the Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery through Nov. 19.  Located on the campus of IU Kokomo, the gallery will feature art by local high school and university students later this year and will host exhibits ranging from paintings to multi media in 2009.

What a season!  By no means does this represent the full list.  I hope to write about other arts-related organizations in another post.  For more information on upcoming events in Kokomo, please visit www.visitkokomo.org.

Halloween Happenings

There are a variety of spooky attractions offered in the Kokomo area this fall.  Some are not for the faint of heart (or the scaredy cat – that would be me!)  Plan to go to one (or all) if you are visiting this Halloween.  Have a spooky good time!   

Country Store

• Old Sycamore Farm & Haunted Barn –
  Old Sycamore Farm is open daily now through the month of October and offers a Country Store selling local preserves and apple butter, candles, primitive crafts and other specialty gifts.  Other activities at the farm include a petting zoo, U-pick pumpkin patch, kids hay bale maze, and candle dipping.  The Old Sycamore Haunted Barn is open Friday and Saturday nights through Halloween and admission includes a hayride (which by the way, is so much fun and considered a fall tradition in Indiana!)  For hours and directions, check out www.oldsycamorebarn.com.
• Twisted Darkness Haunted House –
  This indoor haunted attraction is sure to give your bones a chill.  It’s open Friday and Saturday nights now through Nov. 8 (also Oct. 29 & 30.)  Check out www.twistedhaunt.com for hours, admission, and a great photo gallery.   
• Gray’s Fright Night –
  I think the name says it all.  According to their website, this haunted house is based on horror films and is a “demented house of terror.”  Check this place out if you enjoy a good scare!  Open Friday and Saturday nights now through November 1.  Visit www.graysfrightnight.com for more information. 

For other fall events in Kokomo, check out the Calendar of Events link on www.visitkokomo.org.

Welcome to Kokomo!

   Welcome to the new Visit Kokomo blog!  Kokomo is located in north central Indiana on U.S. 31 between Indianapolis and South Bend.  This blog will feature attractions, special events, restaurants, recreation, and other useful visitor information for the Kokomo and Howard County area.  I hope this blog will be helpful in providing travel ideas and insights into the ins and outs of Kokomo.  Be sure to check back often and let me know about your recent travels in our area!