Kosciusko County, are you ready to rock?

This weekend, the Warsaw Parks Department’s 2015 Central Park Concert Series kicks off with a performance by Hoosier Highway.

The northwest Indiana-based country band, comprised of vocalist Jon Barrett, guitarist Tom Zank, bassist Jeff Topp and drummer Mark Price, play a mix of country that includes classics, Top 40 and some originals. And after releasing two albums, “Long Nights and Long Necks” and “Drivin,” and sharing the stage with contemporary country acts like Gretchen Wilson, Hoosier Highway has earned a solid following in the area.

The Warsaw Parks Department has lined up a stellar collection of musical acts to play throughout the summer. Jazz, folk, R&B, rock, bluegrass and country will all be represented throughout the concert series. Here’s the full schedule:

• Hoosier Highway – Friday, May 22 (country music)
• High Life – Friday, May 29 (jazz, R&B)
• Michael Jacobs – Friday, June 5 (Native American)
• Alligator Blackbird – Friday, June 12 (folk, pop)
• Cari Ray – Friday, June 19, (Americana, bluegrass)
• Bel Airs – Friday, July 17 (rockabilly)
• Slim Gypsy Baggage – Friday, July 31 (rock, folk, blues)
• Bigger Picture – Friday, Aug. 14 (oldies, classic rock)
• Meet the Beatles – Friday, Aug. 21 (The Beatles tribute band)

All concerts are absolutely free. Showtimes are from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the day of the show, and shows are held at Central Park in Warsaw.

Additionally, the parks department, along with some local sponsors, have arranged for three high profile shows throughout the summer. On Friday, June 26, classic rock band Kansas is set to play with After Midnight opening. Friday, July 10 will bring the Blues and BBQ Festival. A variety of BBQ vendors will be on site, the Elwood Splinter Blues Band will open and blues powerhouse Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio will headline. And on July 24, the Country Music Concert will feature Wade Hayes, Bryan White and Mark Wills; Emilee Allen will open. All of these shows are at Glover Pavilion in Central park, and all are free as well.

Keep an eye on the Ink Free News Entertainment page for more information. And download the Warsaw Parks and Recreation 2015 guide for other great local happenings.

For more information or details please visit the city website at www.warsaw.in.gov or
facebook.com/warsawparks, or e-mail at [email protected]. Please call
the Parks and Recreation Department 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at, (574) 372-
9554 with questions.