Throughout the year, the Levitt Foundation celebrates the diverse history, culture, and achievements of our Hispanic and Latinx community members across the country. Here’s a look back at the events proudly hosted on Levitt stages this September/October during Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month.

 

Levitt Pavilion Denver
Denver, Colorado
Viva Southwest Mariachi Fest featuring Flor de Toloache
September 16, 2023 

The 2nd Annual Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival in partnership with Levitt, held on Mexican Independence Day, celebrated the beauty and impact of Mexican heritage and artistry. Presented by the Latino Cultural Arts Center and the Metropolitan State University Music Department, audiences gathered at Levitt Denver for a night of free, spectacular Mariachi performances. Acts included Colorado’s first all-state youth mariachi group, Mariachi Estelares de Colorado; Denver-based Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra; and the Latin GRAMMY-winning headliner and 2019 Levitt National Tour artist, Flor de Toloache—an all-female band pushing boundaries of the genre by melding tradition and innovation, bringing Mariachi music to new audiences of all ages. Students in Mariachi Estelares de Colorado had the opportunity to meet Flor de Tolache, receive advice and mentorship, and see the potential of their passion for Mariachi. Check out the video below for a recap of this year’s festivities! 

 

Levitt at The Falls
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Latino Festival & Parade
September 17, 2023 

Last month, the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presented the inaugural Latino Festival & Parade, which began with a parade through downtown—featuring local Hispanic businesses, churches, organizations, and students—and ended at Levitt at the Falls. The Levitt was honored to provide a stage for performers across the region: Vibrant folklorico dancers kicked off the afternoon, followed by musicians Freddy Flores, DJ Bobby Flow, DJ Frank Fuego, Los Dos De Sinaloa, and Rosendo Robles. Friends and families from ages 2-82 gathered around the dance floor to enjoy the special evening of music. The entire program—from announcements to performances—was conducted in Spanish. 

In an interview with KELOLAND Local News and Weather, Selene Zamorano-Ochoa, the president and founder of the South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said she hopes the festival made the Latino community in South Dakota feel appreciated, seen, and more comfortable to express their cultures. “We say the word ‘welcome’ means more than just the wording. It means that you feel like you are at home, it feels like you are appreciated and welcomed as you are,” said Zamorano-Ochoa.

Levitt Pavilion Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Second Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
October 7, 2023 

Given the success of last year’s inaugural event, Arlington community members began arriving at the Levitt before noon to set up their chairs and blankets for the 5:00pm show. The impactful partnership between Levitt Arlington and the Arlington Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council brought together a wide range of local Hispanic artists, craftsmen, and cuisines. As performers took the stage, the delicious aromas of sizzling fajitas and elotes wafted throughout the busy vendors’ row on Abraham Street. The array of vendors presented works of authentic Hispanic culture—from traditional orange flower crowns, to sugar skull earrings, to vaquero hats made on site. 

The free festival presented a full lineup, including Salsa at The Gardens, Sandunga Dance Co, Fusion Latina Band, Los Cadetes de Linares, and headliner Gary Hobbs, one of the most versatile singers in the Tejano Music Industry. Levitt venue teams from across the country—including representatives from Levitt Denver, Sioux Falls, Dayton, Los Angeles, SteelStacks, Houston, and San Jose—in town for the annual Levitt Site Visit also took part in the celebrations.  

 

Beyond these cultural celebrations, Levitt locations across the country hosted Hispanic and Latinx artists throughout the month, including two-time GRAMMY-nominated pioneer of Latin alternative rock, Elsten Torres, at Levitt Pavilion Dayton; two-time GRAMMY winner and renowned Puerto Rican composer, musician, and producer, Marlow Rosado, at Levitt AMP Fort Pierce, Florida; Hispanic rock band Voltaje at Levitt AMP Fort Smith, Arkansas; independent singer/songwriter Alyssia Dominguez at Levitt AMP Valdosta, Georgia; and Brazilian bossa nova singer, Caro Pierotto at Levitt AMP Wilmington, Delaware.  

Levitt communities celebrate Hispanic and Latinx artists throughout the entire year! Stay tuned to your favorite Levitt venue or AMP Music Series site for full season lineups.