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
Last night, over 25 million viewers across the globe tuned in for music’s biggest night, the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the STAPLES Center. Five of the 83 gilded gramophones given out last night went home with artists who’ve performed at Levitt venues. A hearty congrats to GRAMMY-winning artists: Rosanne Cash, Mike Farris and Pentatonix. Continue reading
Since Robert Redford founded it in 1978, the annual Sundance Film Festival has become a fixture in launching independent cinema. Many films have gone on to win or be nominated for awards after being screened at the famous Park City, Utah, festival—most recently, Academy Award “Best Picture” nominee Whiplash, which tells the story of a young jazz drummer and his formidable mentor.
This year, like Whiplash, a number of films and documentaries at Sundance feature music in a prominent role. We’re excited for these projects, inspired by artists like Daft Punk, Nina Simone, Nirvana and more: Continue reading
It’s officially holiday season! Whether you’re cooking, working, throwing a party or dancing around your house, we’ve got the perfect playlist to get you in a festive mood, featuring some of our favorite artists who have performed at Levitt venues across the country. Continue reading
Fresh off the success of the inaugural Levitt National Tour featuring World music sensation Playing For Change, we’re thrilled to announce that Black Violin, the genre-busting pioneers of urban meets highbrow, will headline the 2015 Levitt National Tour. Named one of the hottest bands at SXSW in 2013, this classically trained, hip-hop duo has wowed audiences across the globe with their unique take on violin/viola playing—from countless concert arenas to headlining a Broadway show to performing at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Ball.
The 2015 Levitt National Tour will take place during June and July next summer, stopping at six Levitt locations—five existing venues (Arlington, Bethlehem, Los Angeles, Memphis and Pasadena) and one in the works (Denver). Audiences can expect a party atmosphere at these family-friendly shows, filled with unexpected surprises that will get everyone on their feet dancing. In addition to the free shows, Black Violin will lead community outreach activities with youth and seniors, drawing on past experiences to spur their creativity and inspire them to think outside the box.
“Black Violin’s pioneering approach aligns perfectly with Levitt’s artistic vision of excellence and inclusivity, creating boundary-busting music that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds,” says Sharon Yazowski, executive director of Levitt Pavilions. “In addition to their incredibly high-energy shows, Black Violin’s deep commitment to community outreach will provide meaningful experiences with the duo at every Levitt tour stop.”
Our Meet the Artist series is your backstage pass to some of your favorite Levitt artists. You’ve cheered them on at Levitt venues across the country, now go behind the scenes and learn who they are, where they come from and what inspires them.
This past summer, international Ghanaian reggae artist, Rocky Dawuni sent positive musical vibes all across southern California with his performances at Levitt Pasadena and Levitt Los Angeles. It marked his third time performing at Levitt Los Angeles, and second time taking the stage at Levitt Pasadena. We caught up with this talented artist at a recent Levitt concert, captured here in his Meet the Artist video. Here are just a few reasons why we love Dawuni: Continue reading
La Santa Cecilia performs at Levitt Los Angeles.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re turning the spotlight on some of the many talented Hispanic artists who have graced Levitt stages over the years. Each group featured brings their own unique flare to traditional styles– creating musical hybrids that are fun, unique and incredibly diverse.
We are quite spoiled here in Los Angeles. Right here in our own backyard, there is a large and richly diverse Chicano/Latino community that is ripe with artistic talent. And, the appeal of Hispanic music spreads far beyond cities with large Chicano/Latino populations. In fact, just this summer alone, nearly 50 Levitt concerts across the nation showcased Chicano/Latino music, reflecting Levitt’s commitment to showcase the rich diversity of the American musical landscape. Hispanic music has a long history of shaping the landscape of American music and is likely to do so for years to come. Continue reading
Whether your local Levitt’s season is well underway or you’re waiting for the concert season to start up again, check out some highlights from 2014 with this summer playlist of Levitt performers! From Latin fusion to Celtic, Big Band Jazz to rock and blues, Levitt has something for everyone!
Summer 2014 playlist artists include: Casey Abrams (pop); John Fullbright (Americana/folk/rock); Young Dubliners (Celtic Rock); Rosanne Cash (country/folk/rock); Alo Brasil (Brazilian); Black Violin (classic); The Damn Quails (folk); Janiva Magness (Blues); Ceci Bastida (Latin); Telegraph Canyon (country); Cas Haley (reggae/rock); The Hot Sardines (jazz); Rick Trevino (country); Jose Feliciano (soft latin/bolero/acoustic); The Cowsills (bubblegum pop); Carolyn Wonderland (blues); Marcia Ball (blues); Tab Benoit (swamp blues); Baskery (alt. country); Incendio (world guitar); Black 47 (Celtic punk); Ruthie Foster (blues/folk); Old Crow Medicine Show (bluegrass); Vaud and the Villians (cabaret/jazz); Very Be Careful (cumbia); Carlton & The Shoes (reggae); Playing For Change (World); Loudon Wainwright III (Americana); Richard Thompson (folk rock); Kiddle Karoo (Children’s).
Today, global music sensation Playing For Change released its third album, PFC3 Songs Around The World, featuring 185 musicians from 31 countries united together through music. The album features artists Keb’ Mo’, Keith Richards, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Toots Hibbert, Sara Bareilles, Aztec Indians and the one and only PFC Band! Lucky for PFC fans, Playing For Change is headlining the Levitt National Tour this summer, which will bring this phenomenal band to six Levitt locations across America for free.
Taking place over a three-week period, the tour stops at six Levitt locations—including Los Angeles and Pasadena, Calif.; Memphis; Arlington, Texas; Bethlehem, Pa; and the future site of Levitt Pavilion Denver (where audiences will get a taste of what’s to come when the venue opens in 2016)! Playing For Change performed at Levitt Steelstacks in Bethlehem last Thursday and will be performing this weekend at Levitt Shell Memphis on Friday, June 20th, and Levitt Arlington on Saturday, June 21st.
While Playing for Change is traveling to over 40 venues as part of their Peace Through Music national tour, only Levitt venues will present Playing For Change concerts free of charge. Thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and sponsorship by Remo, audience members will be treated to fun pre- and post-concert activities. Before each show, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in community drum circles on the Levitt lawn and learn the Levitt signature beat, no experience required! The first 250 guests at each venue will receive free REMO© sound shape mini-drums to take home. After the concerts, audience members will experience special Q&A session with the artists.
You can listen to tracks from PFC’s new album online here and catch them live during The Levitt National Tour.
Where would music be without passion, yearning and pure joy? To celebrate a day dedicated to love, we’re filling our world with love songs. Continue reading