Meet Penny Aviotti, Memphian and Proud Levitt Shell Sponsor


“Memphis is all about music.” Memphian Penny Aviotti couldn’t have said it better. Graceland, Sun Records, the Stax Museum and the Levitt Shell are all part of the city’s rich musical heritage.

Penny remembers when Elvis (yes, THAT Elvis) played at the Levitt Shell back when it was called the Overton Park Shell, and she also remembers when it fell into disrepair. Today, Penny is the manager of the First Tennessee Foundation, one of the Levitt Shell’s original sponsors. Their support brings free, live music to the city, from acclaimed, award-winning artists like the North Mississippi Allstars to up-and-comers like St. Paul and the Broken Bones. As Penny says, “people can’t afford to go out and do fun things. And the Levitt Shell is free.” Her support makes that happen.

If you go to the Levitt Shell next season, you might find Penny along with one of her 13 (!) grandchildren taking in a warm evening accompanied by free, live music under the stars.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *