Author Archives: Sabrina Skacan

Get ready to dance because the Levitt National Tour is back! After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the tour will return in 2022 with a six-venue run, highlighting the collective impact of the Levitt network and a common mission to build community through music. Sharing that vision, The New Respects, a rising trio known for bright, feel-good tracks stacked with lush harmonies and propulsive beats that get all ages dancing, will headline the Levitt National Tour this summer. The tour kicks off at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, on Saturday, June 4, and continues on to Levitt Pavilion Dayton, Friday, June 10; Levitt Pavilion Denver, Wednesday, July 13; Levitt Shell Sioux Falls, Saturday, July 16; Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles, Saturday, August 27; and concludes Labor Day weekend at Levitt Pavilion Arlington on Sunday, September 4, 2022.

Women's History Month

After listing the definition, Merriam-Webster refers to stereotype as “an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic.” Breaking this “his”tory of bias, we continue to celebrate Women’s Herstory Month by highlighting some past Levitt performers who inspire us, not only by their artistry on stage, but what they represent off the stage. Continue reading

Ukraine flag

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Mohammed Ali

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people for their safety and sovereignty, and for the return of peace to their homeland. Russia’s invasion has caused a grave humanitarian crisis for the suffering and displaced. Here are ways you can help the people of Ukraine right now.  Continue reading

May 30, 2019

The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation and Levitt Shell Memphis jointly announce a new chapter for the historic landmark to honor its roots by returning to its original name of The Overton Park Shell. In 2005, the Levitt Foundation played an instrumental role in saving the dilapidated WPA-era bandshell in Overton Park from demolition, providing seed funding for renovations, then continuing with annual operating grants and support resources to partially fund the Levitt Shell nonprofit. The local nonprofit managed, programmed and fundraised for the Levitt program of presenting 50+ free concerts annually since its reopening as the Levitt Shell. After a 17-year partnership with the Levitt Foundation, the Levitt Shell has reached a significant milestone of becoming fully self-sustaining and will run The Shell independently as The Overton Park Shell.

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shutterstock_1628365282There are so many valuable contributions from musicians and performers that bring joy to our lives and feed our musical souls. While we can’t know every artist in the history of music, there are many who are not household names, but should be! In honor of Black History Month, we’re sharing the stories of three powerful female trailblazers—Florence Price, Mamie Smith and Sister Rosetta Tharpe—who by the nature of discrimination toward their race and gender, haven’t reached the echelons of notoriety their musical genius deserves. Learn and listen below!
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Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig…which are you? If you were born in the years 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 or 2010, congrats Tiger—2022 happens to be your lucky year! The Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year (throughout Asia), is a cultural celebration based on the lunar calendar, which begins today! The date of the new year changes annually, yet typically falls on the second New Moon after the winter solstice. So how will you celebrate? Continue reading

Staff picks - 2021 - alt

Music is at the core of who we are and the work we do at the Levitt Foundation. Looking back on another challenging year, music was a source of comfort and joy as we moved and grooved to the beats and rhythms of 2021, whether we gathered in person to once again enjoy live concerts or played tunes at home to brighten our moods. Featuring a selection from each member of the Levitt Foundation team, our 2021 Staff Picks playlist features songs spanning the musical soundscape. From upbeat music that got us dancing to lyrics that sparked reflection, we hope you’ll find your own favorites within our playlist or discover a few new tunes that you’ll add to yours. Head over to Spotify to listen now or read below to find of our music mix—Enjoy! 

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The Recording Academy recently announced its full list of nominees, recognizing the amazing artists and their music that brought joy to our lives during another challenging year. The 64th annual GRAMMY® Awards are just around the corner, and 18 Levitt artists rock the nominations from among the 86 different music categories. We’re thrilled to congratulate these nominees who’ve brought their artistry and rhythms to Levitt stages around the country. Ranging from Latin, pop, bluegrass, jazz and R&B, these talented performers have captured the attention of critics and audiences around the globe, from country star Maren Morris who performed at Levitt Pavilion Arlington to American legends The Blind Boys of Alabama who headlined the Levitt National Tour in 2018. Check out the list of nominated Levitt artists below and be sure to tune into the 2022 GRAMMY Awards show on Monday, January 31, 2022, at 8–11:30 p.m. ET / 5–8:30 p.m. PT. on the CBS Television Network (check local listings).

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