Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion Announces Free 2013 Summer Concert Series

This summer's concert lineup, besides Hoosier Park, Vintage Wine and Food Festival and Symphony on the Prairie, includes (just a little bit past the north side of Indy) The Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion. located at Foster Park in downtown Kokomo, the lineup includes classic rock, country, classic hits, Motown, pop, R&B and more.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. All proceeds of the summer concert series go to benefit local non-profit organizations.

For details, visit KokomoSummerSeries.com

2013 Schedule

Saturday, June 8

The Contours with Sylvester Potts

Friday, June 14

Georgia Satellites w/ Rodney Collins Band & The Easthills

Saturday, June 22

Kokomo Symphony Orchestra (1964: The Tribute to the Beatles)

Fri. & Sat. June 28 & 29

Kingdom Come Festival

Thursday, July 4

Blue Oyster Cult

Friday, July 5

Here Come the Mummies

Saturday, July 6

Night Ranger

Saturday, July 20

Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits

Saturday, July 27

The Kentucky Headhunters

Friday, August 2

Rich Mahan & the Cocktail Heroes

Saturday, August 3

The Original Wailers

Sunday, August 4

Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players

Saturday, August 10

Sylvia Hutton (Kokomo singer & songwriter)

Saturday, August 17

LoCash Cowboys

Saturday, August 24

Pink Droyd (A Tribute to Pink Floyd)

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Grill Time 2012

Grilling is one of America's favorite pastimes, and what's not to love? The mood is relaxed, the weather is perfect, and men take over cooking. And by cooking I mean experimenting and showing off their insane creative abilities. Nothing is too far out or off limits when the grill becomes center stage.

Ribs are slathered in secret sauces, special lemonade is poured into old, glass canning jars and watermelon is sliced. What makes men come alive for this open air eat fest? Studies may hint that it is from the forefathers, getting to play with fire and the hunter within each of the male persuasion. Whatever the reason, I sit back, relax while sipping on an adult beverage and allow them to share, show off and shine in their passion.

Do you call it "grilling," "barbecuing" or "cooking out" when lighting up the grill? And, is gas or charcoal better? What are your favorite recipes, and what makes yours better than everyone else? Is it the sauce, the style of cooking or perhaps the cut of meat? Whatever makes your food taste that much better is what I would like to hear about.

Growing up, no outdoor meal was complete without my mother's potato salad. Made with a few sprigs of dandelion greens, I still hanker for it whenever the weather becomes kind, freshly cut grass scents the air and stores display the latest in man aprons.

Below are a few links to festivals devoted to the culinary tradition and related events. If you know of others, please let me know and I will add it to the list. Until then, enjoy outdoor dining!

• Kokomo Ribfest: June 9, Kokomo w: CityofKokomo.org 
• BBQ Ribfest: June 14-17, Ft. Wayne w: BBQRibFest.com
• Indy Wine Trail-BBQ: July 14-15, Indianapolis w: IndyWineTrail.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her new column, Infused, at FoodandDrinkDigital.com, as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published on BroadwayWorld.com and in M magazine and the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.