Shiny Penny Returns to Kokomo Stage with New Sound and Fresh Energy
Local favorite Shiny Penny is making a highly anticipated return to the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at Rhine Hall, offering an intimate hybrid acoustic performance that fans new and old won’t want to miss.
After several years of rebranding both the band and their music style, Shiny Penny is ready to reintroduce themselves to the Kokomo music scene. Frontman Dean Schimmelpfennig said he is especially eager for this performance, as it marks his return to local stages after a long hiatus.
“We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces and everyone coming together once again,” Schimmelpfennig said. “It’s been a while, but I’m excited to share this new chapter with our fans.”
Shiny Penny, once a four-piece band known for their dynamic sound, has evolved. Schimmelpfennig now leads with new band members, including his wife, Ashton, whose powerful voice will add a new dimension to the group.
“She’s always been my biggest supporter and has an amazing voice. I don’t know why I didn’t get her involved earlier, to be honest,” he said.
The band, which first formed 14 years ago during Schimmelpfennig’s senior year of high school, quickly gained a strong following in Kokomo and across the Midwest, releasing a full-length album in 2013 followed by EPs in 2014 and 2015. By 2018, Shiny Penny had achieved major milestones, including opening for Bon Jovi and charting on Billboard in 2019. However, the band saw a natural dissolution with lineup changes and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
After a period of limited musical activity, Schimmelpfennig reignited Shiny Penny earlier this year, releasing new singles for the first time in nearly four years.
“It’s kind of a new Shiny Penny,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if anyone would even remember us, but I’ve been excited to see tickets selling and people still wanting to come.”
The Nov. 15 show promises a mix of old and new music, including a live debut of Christmas-themed songs. Fans can expect some nostalgic favorites, unreleased tracks and interactive storytelling from Schimmelpfennig about the band’s journey and where he’s been in recent years.
“This show is a way for me to reconnect with the local music scene and have some fun doing something I haven’t done in a while,” Schimmelpfennig explained. “It’s not going to be the same Shiny Penny people remember—it’s evolved—but we’ll still play some of the older songs and have some surprises in store.”
The intimate setting of Rhine Hall will give fans a chance to engage directly with the band, making the experience even more special. “It’s going to be a fun night with crowd participation, stories behind the songs, and a little bit of everything.”
This one-night-only event is expected to draw a loyal local crowd, so fans are encouraged to get their tickets early. Don’t miss the chance to see Shiny Penny back in action with a refreshed sound and exciting new music.
Purchase tickets here.