Blog
Why Free Concerts Matter
Why do free concerts matter? Because music belongs to the public. And without public spaces, music cannot exist for long. That idea might seem counterintuitive, considering the number of multimillion dollar corporations and glitzy private organizations whose very existence depends on monetizing and commoditizing live music. The business of live music is a lucrative one,…
Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose Hosts a Sneak Peak Fall Concert Series
Throughout the month of October, locals in San Jose, California are getting a taste of what’s to come in the city’s historic St. James Park with the launch of the Fall 2022 Levitt Concert Series, a free, all ages, community celebration of concerts presented by the nonprofit Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose. As planning…
Celebrating 15 years of music, access, and community at Levitt LA
Posted OnNovember 2, 2022 byThis past fall, Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles (Levitt LA) wrapped up its 15th season of free outdoor concerts in MacArthur Park. Every year since the venue’s 2007 launch—with the exception of 2020, due to the pandemic—Levitt LA has filled the historic park with the sounds of summer, bringing together friends, families, and neighbors of all ages…
The Votes are In! Announcing the Levitt AMP Top 20 Finalists
Amplify community pride and a city’s unique character Enrich lives through the power of free, live Music Illustrate the importance of inclusive and vibrant public Places Together, these three goals of the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards activate underused public spaces and build community through the power of free, live music. Congratulations to the…
Upcoming Festivals Celebrate National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
Happy National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month! Historically, this annual observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson; it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to span a 30-day period from September 15–October 15, coinciding when many Latin American countries celebrate their national independence days. The Levitt Foundation honors…
Spotlight on Main Streets: Fostering vibrant and welcoming historic downtown districts through the power of free, live music
Vibrant public spaces—places people of all backgrounds love—are essential to strong, connected communities. As a social impact funder, the Levitt Foundation partners with changemakers nationwide to create those destinations, leveraging the power of free, live music to amplify local pride, inject joy into underused public spaces, and foster more equitable, healthy and thriving communities. The…
The Power of Live Music
Plato once said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” While recording and video technology enable us to enjoy our favorite artists’ music from home or on the go, there’s nothing quite like the thrill and vitality of experiencing a live concert. Enjoying live…
Rising Up for Parks and Recreation Month
This July, we’re celebrating national Park and Recreation Month, which was created in 1985 by the National Recreation and Park Association to acknowledge the importance of parks and recreation for the physical and mental health of both individuals and communities. At Levitt, we believe green spaces and parks are essential to creating healthy, equitable communities…
Why Culturally Diverse Music Helps Build a More Inclusive World
Have you ever listened to a song in a language that you don’t understand, but are still moved by the emotions expressed by the artist? Music is universal—that’s why unfamiliar languages and genres can’t stop us from sharing the energy and emotions with the artists, and each other. The power of music to communicate across…
Honoring RAMPD this Disability Pride Month
“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision.” Stevie Wonder Creating vibrant, welcoming spaces for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience the power of free, live music lies at the heart of the Levitt mission. In honor of Disability Pride Month, we’re spotlighting Recording Artists…