Hailing from the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, the waterways of Delaware, and the magnolia tree-lined streets of Alabama, the four Levitt communities we are spotlighting this month have their own unique pride of place. Uniting them all is their free, outdoor music series programs, which have helped drive resurgences in their cities, revitalize neighborhoods, and spur growth of their local economies. All feature local food vendors, community participation, and kid-friendly activities anchored by exceptional musical performances spanning jazz, folk, rock, gospel, and more. 

 

LEVITT AMP MIDDLESBORO
Levitt Park
July 24 – September 25, 2025 

Close to the Cumberland Gap in the Appalachian Mountains and deep in the heart of coal country, Middlesboro, Kentucky, has enjoyed numerous nicknames over the course of its history. Once known as “Little Las Vegas” because of the prevalence of saloons and slot machines there in the 1930s, it was later referred to as the “Athens of the Mountains” because of the community’s strong support of the arts. It is even referred to by some as “Crater City” because it is one of only two cities in the world to be situated inside a meteor crater. 

This city of many names is also host to the Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series, which received a Levitt AMP grant just over 10 years ago and recently celebrated its 100th concert. “Prior to Levitt, the site was an old Woolworths store that had since been torn down, so it was an empty gravel lot,” explains David Whitlock, Vice President of the Board for Middlesboro Main Street, presenter of the series. “Thanks to many volunteers, community members, and most significantly, a major contribution by local steel company J.R. Hoe & Sons, the site transformed into a beautifully manicured lawn with a top-notch stage.” 

The music series has had a palpable impact on the community over the past decade. According to Whitlock, before 2015, there were many empty storefronts, only one restaurant, and several buildings were in disrepair along its Main Street downtown. “We now boast numerous, locally owned businesses, shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, and several buildings have been restored,” says Whitlock. “We like to think that the Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series played a role in that—primarily by getting people downtown and increasing activity in that area.” 

This resurgence has helped drive confidence in the local community, inspired the effort to restore local buildings, and has driven economic growth. What’s more, the local school system gives away books to families at the weekly concerts and provides literacy and other learning opportunities for children. Two groups of enthusiastic high school students, Girls Supporting Girls and Pineville Interact Club, also volunteer their time each week to help with the series.

This year’s musical lineup included Alabama-born country singer-songwriter Kashus Culpepper, Twin Cities jazz band Davina and the Vagabonds, and Canadian blues musician Jesse Roper.  

The Levitt AMP Middlesboro Music Series wrapped up its 2025 season on September 25. 

 

LEVITT BLOC CHATTANOOGA 
RISE Chattanooga / East Lake Park / Ross’s Landing / Stove Works / Miller Park 
September 7 – October 5, 2025 

Chattanooga, Tennessee was once known as the “Dynamo of Dixie” because of its bustling factories during the industrial revolution. The city was so successful that famed big band leader Glenn Miller referenced it in his hit song “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” In modern times, the city has become known for its thriving outdoor scene—comprising hiking trails, parks, and scenic riverfront attractions—as well as its cultural diversity and growing creative economy. The city also has a deep legacy steeped in gospel, soul, jazz, and blues music. 

The Levitt BLOC Chattanooga Music Series takes place at five different neighborhoods across Chattanooga, and was launched in 2024 by local nonprofit RISE as a pilot grant program. “The Levitt BLOC Chattanooga Music Series has transformed local parks and spaces into vibrant gathering places where residents of all backgrounds can come together,” says Shane Morrow, Executive Director/Co-Founder of RISE Chattanooga. “Socially and culturally, the series has created an accessible space for families, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy high-quality live music without cost being a barrier. Economically, the concerts have increased foot traffic for local vendors, food trucks, and small businesses, giving them a platform to reach new customers.” 

The series has also benefitted the neighborhood spaces, creating opportunities for each to be better utilized and activated. “Before the Levitt BLOC Series, some of the parks and urban spaces we now use for concerts were underutilized,” says Morrow. “Since its launch, these spaces have become more alive with activity, providing safe and joyful environments for community connection. Local musicians now have more opportunities to perform on professional stages, while small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from new exposure through vendor markets and pop-up shops.” 

This season’s music lineup included gospel artist Corey Prather and High Praize, blues musician Dom Flemons, and jazz fusion band The 4 Korners. This year also featured the local B.O.O.M. Marketplace (Black and Brown Owned and Operated Marketplace), a special space giving local vendors, food entrepreneurs, and small businesses opportunities to take advantage of the increased foot traffic.  

The Levitt BLOC Chattanooga Music Series concluded its 2025 season on October 5. 

 

LEVITT AMP WILMINGTON 
The Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater 
August 6 – October 8, 2025 

Dancing on the lawn at Levitt AMP Wilmington. Photo courtesy of Levitt AMP Wilmington.

Halfway between Washington, D.C. and New York City lies Wilmington, Delaware. The state’s largest city, Wilmington has a flourishing, diverse culture and a rich history steeped in community spirit and resilience. It also boasts an impressive array of unique festivals—including ShadFest, named for the return of the American shad fish to the Brandywine waterways, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, which celebrates the city’s jazz heritage, and The Peoples’ Festival, an annual tribute to renowned reggae artist Bob Marley and his time living in the city. 

The Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series, which launched in 2023, has had a transformative impact in the city in the short time it has been in existence. The music series takes place in the Eastside Historic District, an area once populated by middle- and upper-class African American professionals. In the years that followed the 1968 Wilmington riots after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the area suffered a prolonged period of decline, but things have started to turn around in recent years thanks in part to community efforts like the Levitt music series.  

“Socially and culturally, the Levitt AMP Wilmington series has created a safe and welcoming space where people of all ages, races, and backgrounds come together, fostering a sense of pride and belonging,” says Tina Betz, Director of Culture Affairs for the City of Wilmington and Board President of Cityfest, which presents the music series. “Economically, the concerts provide opportunities for local food vendors, artisans, and small businesses to benefit from increased audiences.”  

Now, the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater—named in honor of Tina, in recognition of her visionary leadership—and the Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series are restoring vitality to this once-thriving community. 

Among the many great performances this season, the music series presented three Latino artists to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Los Pleneros de la 21, Alain Pérez, and the Yilian Cañizares Resilience Trio each graced the stage along with other renowned acts such as Tuba Skinny, Malina Moye, and Espiral7. Families who attended also enjoyed miniature golf, glitter tattoos, face painting, and arts and crafts activities. 

“Before Levitt, fewer consistent, family-friendly outdoor concerts were free and accessible,” says Betz. “Now, Wilmington residents expect to see live music as part of their summer rhythm. Families bring lawn chairs, neighbors gather, and young people are exposed to music and cultures they might not otherwise experience.”  

The Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series concluded its 2025 season on October 8. 

 

LEVITT AMP SELMA 
Riverfront Amphitheater 
June 21–October 25, 2025 

Heralded for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, Selma, Alabama is a town filled with deep history and culture.  

“We are a city of dreamers, elders with wisdom, and young people hungry for opportunity,” says Lydia Chatmon, Director of Black Belt Community Foundation, which presents the Levitt AMP Selma Music Series. “Now, through events like the series, we are writing a new chapter rooted in joy, music, and unity.”  

The series, which kicked off in 2023 and takes place at the Riverfront Amphitheater overlooking the famed Edmund Pettus Bridge, has also brought the diverse community of 18,000 people together to experience palpable connections that live, outdoor music brings. “Before the series, public events in Selma were limited to holidays or political anniversaries,” explains Chatmon. “Now, there is a growing expectation that something good is happening on the river. We’re beginning to imagine and explore what is possible.” 

The concerts have also opened doors for local entrepreneurs to create new revenue opportunities. “The Levitt AMP Music Series has ignited an ecosystem where local food trucks, artisans, and vendors can build consistent income…We are working with new vendors who are launching side hustles and building generational wealth by selling food, beverages, and handmade goods at the concerts,” says Chatmon. “These collaborations reflect the best of Selma: creativity, resilience, and community care.”  

This year’s musical lineup includes Kentucky-based blues rock act Magnolia Boulevard, gospel group Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers, and jazz/trap hip-hop fusion band Trap Jazz.  

Levitt AMP Selma Music Series runs on select Saturdays through October 25.