Levitt Foundation

Today, we’re heading to Selma, Alabama, for a update from Victoria Bridenstine, VP of Programs for the Levitt Foundation.

During her recent visit, Victoria connected with volunteers, partners, and organizers from Black Belt Community Foundation, who present the Levitt AMP Selma Music Series. And she took time to visit several historical locations, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which is viewable from the music series site at the city’s Riverfront Amphitheater, and Brown Chapel AME Church, the starting location for the Selma to Montgomery marches.

July is National Park & Recreation Month, and as the commemoration comes to a close, we’re looking back at how Levitt communities harness the power of outdoor public space to transform once-underused or dilapidated places into community destinations that nurture a sense of belonging for all. Head over to our blog to see some of the inspiring park revitalization projects led by Levitt communities across the country.

Read more: https://levitt.org/highlighting-transformed-public-spaces-for-park-recreation-month-2024/

🎉 Congratulations to Levitt Pavilion Arlington for being named Best Music Series in D Magazine's Best of Big D for 2024! 🏆

🎉 BIG NEWS! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that Levitt Pavilion Arlington has been named D Magazine's Best of Big D for 2024! 🏆 This incredible honor is a testament to the amazing community, talented artists, and dedicated staff that make every concert at Levitt Pavilion unforgettable.

🎼 “Best Summer Music Series” 🎼

Thank you to all our fans and supporters for helping us achieve this milestone. Join us in celebrating and stay tuned for more amazing shows and events coming your way!



Texas Music Office Music Friendly Community Arlington
Downtown Arlington Texas
City of Arlington, TX - City Hall
Ciudad de Arlington, TX
Visit Arlington, Texas
Levitt Foundation
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Today is , and we're celebrating the amazing friendships forged and nurtured at Levitt events, strengthening communities across the country. Plus, the love keeps going because Sunday is National Friendship Day!

Tag your friends and share the love! 🤗❤️

📷: Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series and Levitt AMP Berea, presented by First Friday Berea

The Levitt Foundation is proud to support the Celebrate AMERI'KANA Music & Arts Festival, an all-ages, free community festival that is happening in Kansas City right now!

Presented by the nonprofit Art As Mentorship and part of this year’s Arts For EveryBody initiative, this event brings national, local, and youth performers and artisans together to celebrate BIPOC musicians and the diverse Kansas City arts community. We can't wait to see pictures of all the fun!

More info: https://amerikana.tv/celebrate-amerikana-festival

We are proud to be a supporter of Arts For EveryBody, a national arts and health initiative, taking place TODAY! By bringing free outdoor concerts, festivals, dance, and other artmaking activities to 18 sites in towns and cities across the country, Arts for EveryBody celebrates the arts as a driver of community health and a force that strengthens the social fabric of communities. A mission that is near and dear to our hearts, and we are thrilled to be a part of it!

Learn more on their website: https://www.artsforeverybody.org

ICYMI: this year’s Levitt season marks the launch of two thrilling new programs—the Levitt VIBE and Levitt BLOC Music Series! 🎉

Springing to life in Chicago (pictured), Indianapolis, Oakland, Calif., and Chattanooga, Tenn., these new pilot programs will create ongoing community destinations that connect people to one another and the neighborhoods they call home. Head over to our blog now to learn more about these concert series and the nonprofit grantees presenting them: International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, Big Car Collaborative, Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation, and RISE Chattanooga.

Read more: https://levitt.org/introducing-the-levitt-vibe-and-levitt-bloc-music-series/

The Levitt Foundation is proud to announce that Sharon Yazowski has been named President & CEO by the Levitt Foundation Board of Directors. Sharon joined Levitt in 2007 as the first executive director of Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles. She then transitioned in 2009 to Executive Director of the Levitt Foundation, as the Foundation’s first employee, and was named Chief Executive Officer in March 2023.

“As a spend down foundation, I am committed to advancing the impactful legacy of the Levitt family as we continue this new, and final, chapter of the Levitt Foundation,” Yazowski says, “fueling the movement for free concerts in public spaces to strengthen the social fabric of communities, foster belonging, create opportunity, and bring joy to millions of people in towns and cities across America.”

Read more: https://levitt.org/mortimer-mimi-levitt-foundation-board-names-sharon-yazowski-president-ceo/

“As performers, seeing the crowd’s reactions to certain songs is most exciting,” Tanya says. “What I love most is watching the connection and seeing people sing along to songs that are deep down on a tracklist of an album we released four years ago. It makes us go, wow, they know this song? It’s great.”

As we get ready for the Levitt National Tour to continue at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks tomorrow night, dive into our exclusive interview with The War and Treaty to learn more about their journey, inspiration, and what makes their music so captivating. And catch the rest of the on August 9 at Levitt Sioux Falls, August 24 at Levitt Pavilion Dayton, and September 13 at Levitt Pavilion Denver!

👉 Read the full interview here: https://levitt.org/in-conversation-with-2024-levitt-national-tour-artist-the-war-and-treaty/

🎶 If you’re planning to see The War and Treaty at one of our Levitt National Tour shows this summer, like at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks later this week, be sure to share your favorite moments with us! Post on Instagram using the hashtag , and you could win signed merch from the band! 📸🎁✨

Don't miss out! More info: https://levitt.org/tourcontest/

It’s been almost 25 years since Robert Putnam published his groundbreaking book, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community,” and the conversation around loneliness and social isolation has only intensified. In this recent interview in The New York Times, Putnam spoke about how joining clubs and participating in community activities (like bringing a Levitt concert series to life!) can help us connect with like-minded folks, while also expanding our connections to those who are different from us.

“Ties that link you to people like yourself are called bonding social capital,” Putnam explained. “And bridging social capital is your ties to people unlike yourself. I’m not saying ‘bridging good, bonding bad,’ because if you get sick, the people who bring you chicken soup are likely to reflect your bonding social capital. But I am saying that in a diverse society like ours, we need a lot of bridging social capital.”

Here at the Levitt Foundation, we completely agree—and we see how the power of free, live music brings together a diverse cross-section of people in towns and cities across the country, just like Putnam envisions. Read the full interview below.

Robert Putnam Knows Why You’re Lonely The author of “Bowling Alone” warned us about social isolation and its effect on democracy a quarter century ago. Things have only gotten worse.

We're in the middle of the Dog Days of Summer, so it's a great time to highlight that our furry friends are welcome at many Levitt locations across the country! Check out these cuties!

Another Friday from the Levitt Foundation Senior Programs Manager Kimberly James, who visited Levitt AMP Carson City, presented by Brewery Arts Center, at the end of June.

In addition to an awesome show from The Urban Renewal Project, she met lots of community members who are active with the series, including a group of friends who call themselves The Fire Circle. This generous bunch came together to be the “Artist Sponsor” that night, giving them access to the special sponsor area at the show.

Additionally, Levitt AMP Carson City spreads the love by partnering with local nonprofits to be the “Bucket Brigade” for the evening. Representatives from that organization do the donation bucket collection at the show, and 10% of proceeds will go to their nonprofit. That night, the Bucket Brigade was Patriot Connection Services, a veteran-owned nonprofit that provides services to military veterans.

From super-fans to local nonprofits making an impact, Levitt AMP Music Series bring so many people together every week–we love it!

Happy World Emoji Day! What emojis describe your Levitt experience?

We’ll go first: 🫶🎶🥰

Comment below with your emojis!

July is bursting with delicious celebrations! It's National Hot Dog Month, National Ice Cream Month, National Watermelon Month, AND National Picnic Month! 🌭🍦🍉🥪

What's your favorite treat to enjoy on a Levitt lawn? Share your thoughts and tag a friend to join the fun!

As we watch Levitt Music Series take place across the country, we’re reminded about all the unique and varied small businesses and vendors that concertgoers interact with, whether they are near the concert venue or set-up on site.

Here are just a few examples of the amazing connections created between Levitt Music Series and local businesses.

🍔 ShoBo’s Kitchen - We’re all smiles for Shobo’s Kitchen, which serves hot comfort food and sandwiches to the Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series, presented by 64.6 Downtown, and keeps everyone well-fed.

🍺 Brotherwell Brewing - A fan of Levitt AMP Waco Music Series, this local brewery not only spreads the word about upcoming Levitt AMP Waco shows, but has also seen an increase in foot traffic during concert days!

🍏 Soldotna Wednesday Market - This vibrant farmers market occurs weekly and is on-site at the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series. Their presence, services, and vibrancy have made a positive impact on the music series experience, and vice versa.

☕ Steeple City Coffee - Serving up their organic brews at the Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series presented by Allegany Arts, this mobile coffee business keeps the fans caffeinated and ready to enjoy the music!

🍗 Wingking miami style - This Orlando-based food truck has traveled to the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series to serve their specialty wings. Will travel for free live music!

☕ Crater City Coffee - This family-owned coffee shop proudly supports the Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series and has seen an increase in foot traffic during show days.

🍽️ The Main Grain Bakery - The owners used the Levitt AMP Stevens Point Music Series, presented by CREATE Portage County, as an incubator, where they gained such a large following that they opened a brick-and-mortar space in downtown Stevens Point.

Thank you for helping make Levitt locations and concert series even more enjoyable, exciting, and vibrant!

This Friday post comes from Colusa, California, where Levitt Foundation Senior Programs Manager Kimberly James visited the Levitt AMP Colusa Music Series (presented by the Colusa County Arts Council) late last month. Kimberly connected with the team and–in addition to the colorful decorations and community spirit–she got to experience a performance from Louisiana-based Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble!

Looking for your next read to bring to the park, beach, or pool? Here are some of our favorite picks that highlight the importance of arts, connection, and joy in communities. Between nonfiction, romance, young adult literature, and children’s picture books, there is something for everyone!

See the full list on the Levitt Now blog: https://levitt.org/levitt-summer-reading-list/

🎵📷 Capture the magic of your Levitt concert experience and you could win a pair of Apple AirPods Pro! Share your photos and videos on Instagram using the hashtag , just like did recently when DuPont Brass performed at Levitt AMP Shenandoah Junction at The Amp at Sam Michaels Park!

More info can be found on our website: https://www.levitt.org/musicmoves-2024

As Levitt AMP sites activate underused spaces in their communities, many have a strong focus on sustainability and keeping things green.

For instance, the Levitt AMP Berea Music Series, presented by First Friday Berea, incorporates a strong commitment to sustainability, along with several of its partners. Co-presenter Mountain Association is a community economic development nonprofit working to build a strong and sustainable Eastern Kentucky, while sponsors such as the Berea Farmers Market and Berea Earth Warriors focus on community resilience, food justice, and local growth. Levitt AMP Berea is working to develop zero waste goals, implementation plans, and staff training manuals related to sustainability as well.

All this aligns with the broader environmental efforts in this area, exemplified by last week’s Berea Ag Week celebration. Levitt AMP Berea teamed up with their local agriculture and food justice partners to celebrate the area’s growers, producers, and sustainability efforts all week long, including upcoming events with Berea Urban Farm. Additionally, Berea Earth Warriors, the sustainability partner for Levitt AMP Berea, also recently received the Isaac Wolfe Bernheim Climate Heroes Award for their dedicated work in environmental conservation and community engagement​.

We love seeing how the keeps these public spaces clean and green!

Keep the Independence Day weekend festivities going and check out these photos from the Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series, which hosted a Red, White, and Blue Night along with local organization Greater Madison County Community Foundation earlier this week.

With more than 1,000 people in attendance, the event included music from the Iowa Military Veterans Band and Savanna Chestnut and The Field Hands, as well as a fabulously festive photo booth. Thanks to Levitt AMP Earlham, Shannon Payne Photography, and Jenna Orr for sharing these photos!

Happy 4th of July from the Levitt Foundation!

📷: Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series presented by PNC Bank

Whoa! Levitt Pavilion Arlington just shared the lineup for their Fall Season. Can't wait!

🥁DRUMROLL PLEASE 🥁
Get ready Arlington for an amazing line up of free music this fall season! We are keeping the music going so mark your calendars and meet us in Downtown Arlington Texas!


Texas Music Office City of Arlington, TX - City Hall Levitt Foundation Visit Arlington, Texas Music Friendly Community Arlington

How do YOU feel after attending a concert? 🎶🥰🤩🙂🤪😢🎶

Research has shown that concertgoers feel 5x better after experiencing a concert, according to a 2018 white paper commissioned by Live Nation.

Read our recent blog post for more ways that free outdoor concerts make communities happier & healthier, and check out this photo from Levitt AMP Fort Smith, presented by 64.6 Downtown, that shows off two different styles of feeling the music!

Read more: https://levitt.org/how-free-outdoor-concerts-in-public-spaces-make-communities-healthier/

The Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series, presented by Catamount Film and Arts, comes to Dog Mountain this weekend and we can't wait to see all of this season's shows!

The Levitt Foundation is honored to support the Boston Art & Music Soul Festival (BAMS Fest), which is taking place in Boston's Franklin Park this weekend. A cultural movement led by Black and Brown artists, culture makers, and creative entrepreneurs from Greater Boston, this two-day, free festival will feature nationally acclaimed artists and local talent, with headlining performances from multi-GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody and acclaimed singer-songwriter, Bj THE CHICAGO KID.

Beyond music, the BAMS Festival will include additional community-building elements, such as Rep Your City, educational programming, visual art exhibitions, local vendors and artisans, and more. We are thrilled to support this year's event and the Festival's mission to break down racial and social barriers to arts, music, and culture in the Greater Boston area.

Learn more on their website: https://www.bamsfest.org/

It's Friday! Last weekend, Levitt Foundation’s Vanessa Silberman traveled to the beautiful eastern coast of Maui to experience the Levitt AMP Hāna Music (Mele) Series. While there, she spent time learning about the community and meeting the incredible folks at Hana Arts bringing the free series to life. 🌺 🎵

The evening’s show, which took place at a working cattle ranch(!), featured the energetic stylings of bluegrass/folk outfit Brown Chicken Brown Cow String Band and had the audience up on their feet!

📸 courtesy of Vanessa Silberman ( #1-4) and Jerry Grigory (5-6).

As winds down, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the gifted LGBTQIA+ musical artists whose messages of love, individuality, and empowerment foster joy and belonging in Levitt communities across the country.

Visit the Levitt Foundation blog to learn more about these critically acclaimed LGBTQIA+ musicians—one of them might be your next favorite! 🌈🎶

5 LGBTQIA+ Artists Bringing Joy to Levitt Communities This Pride Month At the Levitt Foundation, our belief that joy is a fundamental human right guides our work to empower communities through free, live music. It’s why each and every Levitt lawn from coast to coast is designed to be a welcoming destination for all of the community members it serves, regardless of on...

No shade for this awesome shot celebrating ! 😎

📷 Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury (Catamount Film and Arts), 2018

We have more fun for you today, all the way from Gallup, NM! Earlier this month, Levitt Foundation’s Kimberly James visited Levitt AMP Gallup, presented by Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District, for a concert featuring Ryan Biter and Jessica Lynn.

Kimberly spent time with the Levitt AMP Gallup team and met Cajun Cleveland, who is the emcee of the Levitt AMP Gallup Music Series and also the 2022 Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen. What a fun night!