Tag Archives: Levitt Los Angeles

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This summer and fall, Levitt lawns across the country are once again filling with the sounds of free, live music. After a devastating pandemic year that forced us to be apart, Levitt venues and AMP grantees weren’t sure what to expect while planning their concert series, however record-breaking audiences have proven that people are ready to come back together and build community through the power of music. “People are just excited to be back,” said Lisa Wagner, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Dayton. “Greeting one another. Hugging each other. Picking up where they left off in many ways. There has been a real healing experience of what we missed in 2020.”

Healing is exactly what so many of us are needing following the past year. During that challenging time, the Levitt network pivoted to create virtual programming, mobile concerts, pop-up shows and more. These efforts not only helped people feel a sense of connection during a time of great uncertainty and isolation, but also gave artists an opportunity to share their music and brighten otherwise dark and challenging days.

Now that in-person Levitt concerts have returned, read on to learn more about the 2021 Levitt season and how you can experience some of these amazing free concerts, either in-person or virtually. 
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Alice Bag Spotlight

Tonight, the punk goddess herself, Alice Bag, is bringing her original Chicano punk rock to Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles in MacArthur Park. Best known for creating the sound that would later evolve into hardcore punk, Levitt concertgoers are in for a historic show. Bag’s music is built from more than just hardship and self-expression – it’s a volatile combination of motherhood, blown-out electric guitars and pure feminine power.

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River Run North

River Run North on stage at Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles (2015)

Earlier this month, two members of Run River North—the fun-loving folk rock band you might recognize from their 2015 performance at Levitt Los Angeles—opened up about their new album and unlikely musical journey on KPCC’s Take Two. This was the second time Take Two’s A Martinez chatted with the LA-based Korean-American band, formerly known as Monsters Calling Home. The original interview actually took place inside his car, a fitting location given the band’s serendipitous rise to fame.  Continue reading

Levitt venues

Pictured from L to R (top row): Levitt Pavilion Arlington; Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles; Levitt Shell Memphis; (bottom row): Levitt Pavilion Pasadena; Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks; Levitt Pavilion Westport.

Across the country, another spectacular season of Levitt concerts has come to a close, and we’re once again celebrating the undeniable power of free, live music to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds, creating stronger communities. Watch your favorite Levitt venue in action!

You may ask, who brings the Levitt program to life, year after year? Your local Friends of Levitt nonprofit, that’s who! Each Friends of Levitt manages, programs and fundraises for the 50 free concerts every year. This is an impressive feat when you consider the sheer number of acclaimed artists presented on a Levitt stage featuring a range of music genres; the first-rate production crews and state-of-the-art sound and lighting; as well as the additional programming and activities realized through local partnerships to create unforgettable evenings of free music under the stars. Rounding out the experience are the passionate volunteers whose friendly smiles and enthusiasm embody that warm sense of community found on Levitt lawns.

And yet the Friends of Levitt nonprofit is only part of the equation. Equally important is the community of supporters—audience members who donate on the lawn, businesses sponsoring shows, grants from foundations, and local family and individual donors—whose generous contributions ensure the free music continues each year at their Levitt venue. Continue reading


Ready for Beethoven’s Fifth…in virtual reality? 

Today and tomorrow, VAN Beethoven, a free, unprecedented classical music experience comes to Levitt Pasadena and Levitt Los Angeles as a part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Immortal Beethoven Festival.

Using virtual reality headsets, “concertgoers” will experience the opening minutes of Beethoven’s famous symphony as if seated in the Walt Disney Concert Hall—without ever leaving the VAN Beethoven truck. Continue reading

This Saturday, Los Lobos—East L.A.’s eclectic musical veterans, known and loved for their blending of cumbia, blues, R&B and roots rock—will treat Levitt Los Angeles audiences to a high-energy performance that is sure to get everyone dancing.

With over four decades of music making under their belts, it has become clear that the way the band described themselves in their 1978 album title—Just Another Band From East L.A.—could not be further from the truth. Since forming in 1973, this multi-GRAMMY-winning band has gained the love and respect of audiences across the globe. Continue reading

Spotlight_Series_Brave ComboEveryone’s favorite mosh-pit polka band returns to Arlington, Texas, this Friday to kick off Levitt Arlington’s 2015 Fall Concert Series—continuing an annual tradition that started when the band kicked off the venue’s very first concert in 2008. This two-time GRAMMY-winning band has wowed Levitt audiences across the nation, with performances at Levitt Arlington (2008-2015), Levitt Los Angeles (2007), Levitt Shell (2008, 2011, 2013) and Levitt Westport (2009, 2012). With joyful music and contagious energy, Brave Combo is inspiring a new generation of polka fans.  Continue reading

Over the past week, a colorful makeover seven years in the making has begun to take shape in MacArthur Park Lake…one floating, hand-painted orb at a time.

Upon its completion, Portraits of Hope’s vibrant installation, “Spheres at MacArthur Park” will be the largest public art exhibition Los Angeles has ever seen. It’s such a treat to see this explosion of color come to life right here in our own backyard in MacArthur Park, the home of Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles. Continue reading

Music is moving Black Violin across the nation, as part of the 2015 Levitt National Tour. After launching the tour in Memphis, Tenn. on 6/13, Black Violin packed the lawn and rocked the crowd in Arlington, Texas this past weekend (6/20).

We’re loving all the great #musicmoves we are seeing across the country! Many thanks to @alexandriawill for sharing this awesome photo and showing us how music moved Levitt Arlington last weekend!

This week, Black Violin is heading west, where they will be giving two performances in southern California: Levitt Los Angeles (6/26) and Levitt Pasadena (6/27). So if you’re in the area, come out and join the fun! You don’t want to miss this dynamic duo.

Both shows begin at 8pm. Arrive early, at 7pm, with your violin for a free music workshop led by Black Violin and stick around for a lively post-show Q & A with the artists!

To see more #musicmoves, check out our live feed and be sure to share your own photos on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to win a $100 iTunes gift card!

The wait is finally over! We’re thrilled to announce the tour dates for the 2015 Levitt National Tour, featuring the one and only Black Violin!

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