Uncle Kracker to play Kokomo as part of Summer Concert Series

May 1—American songwriter and musician Uncle Kracker will be one of many headliners for this year's Kokomo Summer Concert Series.

Uncle Kracker will close out the concert series Sept. 7 at the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion at Foster Park, 721 E. Superior St.

Country artist RVSHVD will open the show.

The city of Kokomo announced Wednesday the lineup for this year's concert series. This year's lineup offers a little bit for everyone, with performances from Uncle Kracker, Hank Ruff, Binky Griptite, Check Your Head: A Beastie Boys Tribute, Material Girl & The Fame Monster and more. Performing artists for the Haynes Apperson Festival will be announced at a later date.

"Kokomo's Summer Concert Series has become something that music fans look forward to each summer," Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore said in a statement. "We are blessed to have a venue like the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion bringing top-notch music to Kokomo, and that really only happens because of the hard work and effort of those working behind the scenes to make it happen. Our concert series has made Kokomo a premier destination for music fans of all genres from across the state."

The concerts align with several festivals throughout the summer, such as the Carver Community Center's Juneteenth Celebration, Rhumfest and the Firefighter's Jeep Jam. In addition to live music, each concert will have food vendors and a beer garden.

All concerts are free and family-friendly. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for each event. The concerts are general admission seating and smoke-free. Visit kokomosummerseries.com for more information on the series overall.

Saturday, June 8 — Material Girl & The Fame Monster, with guest opener Moon Beau

Billed as the greatest Madonna tribute show in the U.S. and a Lady Gaga experience taken to another level of fun, the spot-on vocals are backed by a full live band. Learn more at materialgirllive.com.

Saturday, June 15 — Carver Center Juneteenth Celebration featuring Binky Griptite Super Soul Revue, with guest opener Maximum Groove

A founding member of The Dap-Kings, Binky Griptite has shared the stage with Amy Winehouse, Sharon Jones and more. He is an American songwriter, musician, record producer and radio DJ. Learn more at binkygriptite.com.

Saturday, July 13 — Firefighter's Jeep Jam featuring Check Your Head: A Beastie Boys Tribute with opener DJ Action Jackson

Based out of Asheville, North Carolina, this trio offers audiences a chance to relive the legendary Beastie Boys' hits live. Learn more at checkyourheadavl.com.

Saturday, July 27 — Rhumfest

Rhumfest is a day of live music highlighting the talented students and instructors from the Rhum Academy of Music. Learn more at rhummusic.com.

Saturday, Aug. 10 — Kokomo Symphony Orchestra with Piano Men: Generations — The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John

The Piano Men celebrate the musical influence of Billy Joel and Elton John brought to you by pianists Terry and Nick Davies. They will be joined by the KSO. Note: This performance is rescheduled from 2023's rained-out evening. Learn more at tadmgmt.com/talent/pmgenerations.

Saturday, Aug. 24 — Hank Ruff with guest opener Grace Scott Band

Born and raised in southern Indiana, Hank Ruff has been playing country music around the state since the age of 11. His music melds a traditional country sound with modern influences. The Grace Scott Band hails from Logansport. Learn more at hankruff.com.

Saturday, Sept. 7 — Uncle Kracker with guest opener RVSHVD

Uncle Kracker is a multi-platinum selling artist, with hits such as "Follow Me," "Smile" and his collaboration with Kenny Chesney for "When The Sun Goes Down." His cover of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" set a Billboard record for the most weeks at No. 1 on any chart at 28 weeks atop the Adult Contemporary radio charts. This Detroit-native and well-known former member of Kid Rock's band fully embraced his country side with 2012's critically acclaimed album Midnight Special. Continuing to create new music, recent releases include "Sweet 16," "Reason To Drink" and "Cruising Altitude," with a new album expected to drop later this year. Learn more at unclekracker.com.

Rising country singer-songwriter RVSHVD hails from the small town of Willacoochee, Georgia. Ten years ago, he heard Keith Urban's "Sweet Thing" and dove headfirst into writing and recording country music, finding the genre more personal and rewarding. RVSHVD, recently touted by Billboard as the magazine's Country Rookie of The Month, will be touring with stops at Stagecoach and CMA Fest. His latest release, "Deal with the Devil," features singer Danny Worsnop of the band Asking Alexandria. Learn more at facebook.com/iamrvshvd.