
With the 2025 Levitt concert season about to be in full swing across the country, it’s hard to believe that just over one month ago nearly 200 Levitt changemaker grantees—representing towns and cities of all sizes from across the country—gathered together in Downtown Los Angeles for the 2025 Levitt National Convening. This three-day event brimmed with engaging workshops, captivating keynote speakers, memorable social gatherings, and spectacular live performances—all designed to inspire innovative thinking, foster meaningful dialogue and connections, and deepen our shared commitment to free, live music as a catalyst for thriving communities across America.
Held at the Omni Los Angeles from March 27-29, the Convening’s interactive sessions, animated discussions, and immersive experiences foregrounded the power of collaboration and learning in community. Attendees exchanged practical insights, explored new approaches, and gained valuable perspectives on creative placemaking and the dynamic impact of building community through music.
Highlights included a screening of the Levitt Family Legacy short film, celebrating the extraordinary lives of Mortimer, Mimi, Liz and Peter; a fireside chat on the “State of Levitt” with President & CEO Sharon Yazowski and Board Co-Chair Kathy Eberly Ovitt; a plenary and book signing by nonprofit thought leader Beth Kanter; rapid-round, Inspire: Ideas for Impact presentations by Levitt network grantees; facilitated workshops and breakout sessions led by field experts on topics including volunteer engagement, fundraising, public safety & security, digital marketing, and more; dazzling performances by rock, folk, and traditional Mayan Kaqchikel artist Sara Curruchich and Philadelphia-based rapper Küf Knotz & harpist/vocalist Christine Elise, and an inspiring closing plenary by acclaimed librettist and creative strategist Marc Bamuthi Joseph.
Attendees also enjoyed social events to deepen their connections to their Levitt network peers—including affinity receptions for Levitt venue and Levitt AMP, VIBE, and BLOC communities—as well as opportunities to experience the cultural richness of Los Angeles. These activities included a pre-Convening museum visit to their choice of area arts destinations, as well as “dine-around” experiences showcasing the city’s renowned culinary diversity, including pan Latin, soul food, and cuisines from across Asia and beyond. The Convening came to a close with Saturday evening’s Celebration Dinner—where all dined and danced the night away to the beats of Levitt’s own DJ Ari-4Ari, surrounded by iconic city views from the 5th floor of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Explore the slideshow below to experience the energy and inspiration of the 2025 Levitt National Convening!