Author Archives: Ellie Gruen

picture4With an estimated 1,500+ instruments in existence worldwide, there’s a lot more musical variety around us than we might expect. From Sweden to West Africa to The United States, explore three fascinating instruments making an appearance at Levitt AMP sites this season. 

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Summer is in full swing, and there’s nothing like a fresh playlist packed with amazing music to soundtrack this season of road trip jam sessions, sizzling backyard BBQs and long, sunny days. Across the country, permanent Levitt venues and Levitt AMP sites are hosting a wide variety of genre-spanning talent, from soothing singer-songwriters to dance floor-igniting indie rock bands. Whatever your taste in music, you’re sure to find something you love (or something you didn’t know you’d love!) on our “Levitt Summer ’19” playlist, featuring tracks by artists performing on Levitt stages this season. Continue reading

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Sixteen-year-old guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer has already enjoyed the spotlight at some of the most legendary venues in America and played alongside numerous prominent artists. But these accomplishments only scratch the surface of the raw skill and musical instincts that make the New York City-based guitarist, who’ll headline tonight’s show at Levitt AMP Utica, a true musician. For this week’s edition of our Spotlight Series, we’re bringing you 10 facts about the mind-bogglingly impressive teen rocker.

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Look out for The Foxies, a four-piece alternative rock band whose shimmering, ultra-danceable indie-pop sound is guaranteed to get concertgoers on their feet tonight at Levitt AMP Earlham.

Based out of Nashville, Tenn., the group consists of charismatic front woman Julia Lauren Bullock, guitarist Jake Ohlbaum, bassist Kyle Talbot and drummer Rob Bodley. The band is based out of Nashville, Tenn., but their roots are nationwide—spanning the wide-open expanse of Arizona to the tangled urban jungle of New York City. Since the 2015 release of their first single, the sparkling yet hard-hitting “Floods”, the group has quickly gained recognition for their addictive sound. Their grungy guitars, sensual vocals and fat-bottomed beats are the perfect recipe for versatile indie music—the kind that’s just as welcome on a cross-country road trip as it is on a thumping dance floor.

Now, The Foxies are providing the soundtrack for their own nationwide tour, and they’ve already stopped at legendary music festivals like Bonnaroo, South by Southwest and Sundance. Their contagious sound has earned praise from Native Mag and Nashville’s Lightning 100 Radio, and even a spot for 2017’s “Wander In Lust” on the 63rd volume of NOW That’s What I Call Music. Their latest EP, Battery (2019), includes four tracks described by Bullock as the band’s most “raw and authentic” work to date.

Listen to The Foxie’s dreamy discography here, and if you’re in Earlham tonight, don’t miss out on their live performance at Levitt AMP!

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It’s that time of year again! Last month marked the beginning of free Levitt concerts nationwide, with a show-stopping performance by country crooner Deryl Dodd at Levitt Pavilion Arlington. This summer and fall, more than 550 free concerts will take place in 26 towns and cities across America, both at permanent Levitt venues and Levitt AMP sites.  We love seeing friends, families and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together on Levitt lawns to enjoy free music under the stars (many showing off their #musicmoves on our feed!). With concerts in full swing, read on to check out all the great places free Levitt concerts are taking place in 2019!

Permanent Levitt Venues

Each permanent outdoor Levitt music venue presents 50 free concerts every year and is managed, programmed and supported by a Friends of Levitt nonprofit partner, with Levitt Los Angeles run by the Foundation. This year marks the opening of the stunning Levitt Shell Sioux Falls, which launches its inaugural free summer concert series June 14! Click on a venue to see artist lineups and more!

Levitt Pavilion Arlington: May 17 – July 21; August 30 – October 20
Levitt Pavilion Dayton: May 30 – September 21
Levitt Pavilion Denver: May 24 – September 15
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles: June 1 – September 1
Levitt Shell Memphis: May 30 – July 21; September 6 – October 14
Levitt Shell Sioux Falls: June 14 – August 10
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks: May 24 – September 7
Levitt Pavilion Westport: June 25 – August 23

Levitt AMP Music Series

Every year the Levitt AMP Music Series takes place in small to mid-sized towns and cities, each presenting at least 10 free concerts throughout the summer or fall. Click on a venue to see artist lineups and more!

Berea, KY: July 19 – October 4
Carson City, NV: June 22 – August 24
Chattanooga, TN: August 23 – October 25
Earlham, IA: June 2 – August 11
Galva, IL: June 2 – August 4
Green Bay, WI: June 18 – August 27
Middlesboro, KY: July 18 – September 19
Ocala, FL: May 31 – August 8
Santa Fe, NM: June 8 – August 27
Sheboygan, WI: June 20 – August 22
Soldotna, AK: June 5 – August 21
Springfield, IL: May 30 – August 1
St. Johnsbury, VT: July 14 – September 22
Stevens Point, WI: June 6 – August 8
Trenton, NJ: June 27 – September 5
Utica, NY: June 24 – August 26
Whitesburg, KY: May 30 – August 8
Woonsocket, RI: June 14 – August 23

So if you haven’t already, pack your picnics and lawn blankets and get ready to enjoy a season of free, live music with friends, family and neighbors. And be sure to share your #musicmoves!