Category Archives: Holidays

Every stroke of the brush, stitch of the needle, or moment of the memoir uniquely marks our society and contributes to our national character.  This month, we recognize the ways the arts and humanities have forever changed our country, and we recommit to ensuring every American has the opportunity and the freedom to question, discover, and create.
— Presidential Proclamation, National Arts and Humanities Month, 2015  

NAMH_logoHappy 30th anniversary to National Arts and Humanities Month!

Since 1985, October has been recognized by Americans for the Arts and the White House as a time to celebrate the importance of cultural experiences in our lives. At Levitt, we believe that the arts are essential to living healthy, happy lives—and that all people should have access to free, live music, regardless of age or background.

Join us this month in celebrating NAHM and check out some of our favorite reasons to support the arts, adapted from this infographic by Americans for the Arts: Continue reading

Header_2.4Looking to kick back, relax and enjoy free live music under the stars this Independence Day weekend? Grab your picnic basket and head to your local Levitt for a celebration music lovers of all ages will enjoy. Continue reading

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If so, you’re in luck! In honor of Cinco de Mayo we’ve created a playlist featuring some of the many talented Chicano artists who’ve graced Levitt stages over the years. Continue reading

NationalBikeMonth

Are you excited that it’s finally May, Levitteers? Not only are we that much closer to the start of concert season, but it’s also National Bike Month, a celebration of cycling first established in 1956!

Here at Levitt, we wholeheartedly support the many benefits of biking, from healthier living to reducing our carbon footprint to improving the overall livability of places. We’re thrilled to see the country moving towards increased bikeability, with initiatives like protected bike lanes and bike share programs growing more popular in cities like Los Angeles and Memphis.

This month, whether you’re a veteran cyclist or a biking beginner, we encourage you to join the movement! Check out our fun bike-related trivia, see all the awesome events happening for National Bike Month and get inspired to go for a ride! Continue reading

small_Jazz-Appreciation-Month-Playlist_1

Artists pictured above (clockwise, from top left): Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, The Hot Sardines, Kenny Burrell, Hot Club of Detroit, Davina and the Vagabonds, Charles Walker and the Dynamites, Pete Escovedo, Kamasi Washington, Barbara Morrison)

“Forgive me if I don’t have the words. Maybe I can sing it and you’ll understand.”

These words were spoken by the late, great, singing soulstress, Ella Fitzgerald, who would have turned 98 on April 25th. This simple quote speaks to the depth, creativity and freedom of expression that we celebrate this month during Jazz Appreciation Month. Over the years this dynamic genre—born out of the African American spirituals and call-and-response work songs heard throughout the south during the late 19th century—has grown into one of the pillars of American music. Continue reading

kid playing music
What do creativity, collaboration and improved academic performance all have in common?
They’re all benefits enjoyed by children who study music. Continue reading

Black History Month Playlist_14

Artists pictured above (clockwise, from top left): Barbara Morrison, Black Violin, Tia Fuller, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Gedeon Luke & the People, The Soul Rebels, Chubby Carrier, Ruthie Foster, Booker T. Jones and The Drifters)

African Americans have shaped many of the most iconic American music styles—gospel, jazz, rock and roll, funk, hip-hop…the list goes on and on. As we wrap up Black History Month, we’d like to celebrate the musical contributions of some of the many talented African American artists who’ve graced Levitt stages across the country. Continue reading

HappyValentines2015

How do you tell someone you love them?

While you can certainly say it with flowers, chocolates, home cooked meals and more, we often find ourselves turning to one of the most romantic forms of expression of all: music. And to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a playlist of songs about love by artists who have performed at Levitt stages across the country over the last couple of years! Continue reading

Big dreams_2.1

This young drummer with a contagious smile is one of the many young Angelenos who took part in our pre-concert drum circle during the 2014 Levitt National Tour, featuring Playing for Change. Who knows where this young drummer’s interaction with music might take him? Lifelong dreams are born everyday!

This week we’ve honored one of our nation’s most courageous dreamers and visionaries, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let this post serve as a reminder that it’s never too early or too late to dream big.