Tag Archives: Black History Month

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Here at Levitt, we’re firm believers in the power of free, live music to transform communities—especially when those concerts are taking place in the great outdoors. Why? Countless studies remind us why we yearn to be outside. Time in nature allows us to press a ‘reset’ button, triggering a wide array of health benefits from lowering cortisol levels (stress), to alleviating pain, to improving our mental health. Which is why today, in honor of Black History Month, we’re honoring the contributions of three of the many pioneering African American conservationists who’ve made a profound impact on our country’s natural environments. Each has dedicated their time and unique talents to protecting green spaces and ensuring that people of all backgrounds can enjoy nature experiences for years to come. 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

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We’re kicking off Black History Month spotlighting one of our favorite Levitt artists, the phenomenally talented Booker T. Jones—a musician whose creativity is matched by his courage. Jones made his Memphis debut at Levitt Shell in Memphis (then known as the Overton Park Shell) in 1968 with his GRAMMY-winning group, Booker T. and the M.G.’s. According to Rolling Stone, this group, made up of two black members and two white members, “became a symbol of racial integration in the South during the civil rights years.” Booker T. Jones and the M.G.’s were awarded the prestigious GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 for helping to create the sound of the 1960’s and using notes to build bridges between people.

Our hats go off to Jones, who has always used his courage and creativity to push our nation’s musical and racial boundaries. Learn more about Jones in his Meet the Artist video.