Blog
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…
Celebrating Juneteenth Across the Levitt Network and Beyond
“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” Malcom X This Sunday, June 19, marks the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States: Juneteenth. This federal holiday marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Blacks in Galveston, Texas finally…
Celebrating Pride Month across Levitt communities
As we reach the end of Pride Month—celebrated each June—we continue to honor the accomplishments and civil rights struggles of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) friends, family members and neighbors. From Pride parades, to picnics, parties, workshops and concerts, we celebrate the LGBTQI+ community’s rights to live their true selves and…
Celebrating Black Music Appreciation Month all season long
Who do you consider the most influential Black artist in American history? Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marian Anderson? Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix? Prince, Beyonce, Tyler, the Creator? The list of history-making, genre-defying Black musical powerhouses goes on and on! In celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month, the Levitt Foundation is proud to honor…
Applications Now Open for the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards
Posted OnApril 18, 2022 bySabrina SkacanBring free music concerts to your community! Applications for the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards are now open through June 30, 2022! The Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to small to mid-sized towns and cities across the country. Catalytic…
AAPI Heritage Month: How Asian artists enrich the diversity and beauty of Levitt programming
From The Beatles’ use of the sitar in the 1960s to the homage of martial arts woven throughout Wu Tan Clan’s unique style in the 1990s to the hyper sounds of K-Pop dominating hearts and minds today, it’s undeniable the impact of Asian influence on Western music and in popular culture. In celebration of Asian…