With the onset of spring on the horizon, fresh starts and new beginnings are on the mind. Today we’re turning our attention to abandoned railroad tracks around the globe that have been given new life as the cornerstones of urban parks.
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What better way for a work of art to reach the most people than through being free to view, open to the public and in an open-air setting? Many cities recognize the value of creating murals throughout their neighborhoods, engaging residents in art-making and boosting community pride during the process. It’s also an inexpensive creative placemaking option that works with the landscape already in place—all it needs is some creativity and paint.
With inspiration drawn from their surrounding communities, murals can vividly depict motivations and aspirations of the artists and community members who created them, as well as provide enjoyment for people simply viewing them. Take a look at some of these inspiring murals adorning Levitt cities across the country! Continue reading
Bethlehem, Pa., residents Jim and Pat Yost have witnessed significant changes in their community during the past 35 years, including the transformation of the Bethlehem Steel brownfield into Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks. Since opening in 2011, Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks has turned Bethlehem into a music-filled destination for all to enjoy. The venue’s impact is in part possible because of Levitt volunteers like Jim and Pat who give back to their community by making every free Levitt concert experience a positive one. “Our job here is to make sure the people who come here have the best time they’ve ever had,” says Pat in our Faces of Levitt video. Continue reading
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the 2017 Levitt AMP grantees here in our Echo Park office—what an inspiring group of individuals!
These local arts champions hail from 15 small- to mid-sized towns and cities all across the country. After experiencing their passion, enthusiasm and dedication to building community through music at this year’s Levitt AMP convening, we couldn’t be more excited to see the 2017 Levitt AMP Music Series come to life!
Hold onto your hats, folks! We’re in store for a fantastic 2017 concert season (and it’s only a few months away!)
Were you one of the nearly 24 million viewers who tuned into the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards Ceremony yesterday? We were definitely watching and cheering on the 25 Levitt artists nominated for the prestigious award! Continue reading
Here at Levitt, we’re reminded year after year that free, high-quality arts programming gives communities so much more than free entertainment. It empowers people of all backgrounds to come together and strengthen the social and economic fabric of their communities.
The collaborative work of creative placemaking pioneers—like the visionary folks at the National Endowment for the Arts—show us all just how catalytic a role the arts can play in strengthening communities. Continue reading
Playing for Change performing at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena as part of the 2014 Levitt National Tour.
Whether it’s blues, samba or hip hop, much of the music that reverberates from Levitt stages is made possible because artists from around the world are able to come together, inspire each other and collaborate creatively. The Levitt Foundation is proud to support platforms for international artists to express themselves and bring community members together through music. As Syrian musician Kinan Azmeh, who has lived in the United States for the past 16 years, recently told NPR, “I continue to believe that making music is an act of freedom.”
Embracing all Levitt artists and Levitteers—no matter their country of origin—is a big part of our mission to strengthen the social fabric of America, which has been immeasurably shaped by immigrants. Take a look at a few of the many artists from around the world who have graced Levitt venues! Continue reading
Here at Levitt, we’re firm believers that people of all ages and backgrounds deserve the opportunity to experience the arts. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) serves our nation by supporting inclusive arts programming—including free Levitt concerts—across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories (which is why it’s near and dear to our hearts!).
Visit the NEA’s website to learn more about their comprehensive efforts to ignite and nurture creativity in individuals, institutions and communities across the country.
Among the predictions for the 2017 Coachella festival lineup were a variety of well-known artists from popular music genres, from R&B royalty (Beyoncé) to rock innovators (Radiohead). Like every year, the lineup reveal was not without some surprises. Perhaps most unexpected was the addition of Hans Zimmer, the German-born composer who has scored over 150 movies since the 1980s. And yet a closer look at Zimmer’s career reveals how his ability to push musical boundaries makes him a fantastic choice for one of the most popular music festivals in the world. Continue reading
This past Sunday, Damien Chazelle’s film La La Land broke records at the 74th Golden Globe awards, taking home every award for which it was nominated—seven in total. While watching a love story between a struggling jazz purist (Ryan Gosling) and an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) unfold, the film’s viewers enjoy a playful explosion of color, iconic Los Angeles landmarks and some fabulous music composed by Justin Hurwitz (with lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul). Hurwitz’s whimsical work earned Golden Globe Awards for both “Best Original Score” and “Best Original Song.” Continue reading