Tag Archives: Levitt AMP Utica

Tonight at 8pm ET/5pm PT, tune in to a Levitt AMP virtual concert for a taste of what makes Monday nights so special in Utica, New York. Featuring performances by four talented artists—acclaimed singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Isaac French; new mellow rock collaboration Tree of Life, local rapper Leeky XIV featuring Eric Armitage; and award-winning blues legend Jimmy Wolf, this lively and eclectic evening celebrates the creative energy that’s transforming a ‘Rust Belt’ city in Upstate New York into a thriving hub for residents from across the globe. Tonight’s show is co-presented by the Levitt AMP Utica team and the nonprofit Utica Monday Nite, who’ve spearheaded the transformation of a littered triangular throughway in the heart of their city into a vibrant, inclusive and music-filled point of pride. Check it out tonight at levittamp.org/virtual!

Reviving a ‘Rust Belt’ community through inclusion and creativity
Located on the Mohawk River at the foot of the majestic Adirondack Mountains, Utica residents enjoy stunning geography, access to global culinary delights and neighbors from all over the world. Like many other former industrial hubs in the Northeast, Utica experienced decades of decline in the mid-20th century, losing about a third of its population after local factories closed. Yet new populations were soon to arrive with the 1981 founding of the nonprofit Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees, which would change the face of the city by resettling more than 15,000 refugees from over 30 nations, increasing the city’s population to more than 60,000 and making the city home to the nation’s fourth largest concentration of refugees—including Somalis, Bosnians, Syrians, Sudanese and people from Myanmar. Today, nearly 20 percent of Utica’s population is foreign born with more than a quarter of the population speaking languages other than English (and over 40 languages spoken in the local high school!). People from all over the world have found a home and a welcoming space in Utica.
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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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This week the Spotlight Series continues with the genre-busting violin/vocalist duo, Sons of Mystro—who launch the 2019 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series tonight with their lively mix of classical, reggae, hip-hop and more! To gear up for tonight’s show, we’re bringing you 10 fun facts about this eclectic power duo! Continue reading

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In just a few hours, “Hillbilly-Pink Floyd” rockers, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams will electrify the Levitt AMP Utica stage with their one-of-kind Americana! Hailing from the Hudson Highlands of New York, the group has been dubbed “The Hudson River Valley’s best kept secret” by Jam.Base.com, for good reason. Performing together for more than a decade, the group has found their niche in surreal and playful performances—bringing audiences an eccentric fusion of Americana meets rock meets folk meets blues. With an eclectic repertoire ranging from gentle ballads to sweeping cinematic style anthems, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams takes audiences on a colorful journey, complete with quirky costumes, surprising props and a heartfelt nostalgic sound. The result is simultaneously familiar yet original…and is bound to make for a memorable evening. Continue reading

Second Lineup Announcement InstallmentEarlier this season, we shared the first five Levitt AMP Music Series lineups to invigorate small to mid-sized towns and cities through the 2018 Levitt AMP Music Series—today we’re pleased to shine the spotlight on five more incredible Levitt AMP lineups that are thrilling Levitteers this season!

With free Levitt AMP concerts already underway in 13 towns and cities from coast to coast, this year’s Levitt AMP Music Series is in full swing and we’ve loved seeing the ways #musicmoves concertgoers and communities nationwide! Today we’re taking a closer look at the exciting talent lighting up the Levitt AMP stages in Sheboygan, Wis., Carson City, Nev., Utica, N.Y., Trenton, N.J., and Woonsocket, R.I.! Featuring a wide array of musical styles and genres, ranging from explosive rock ‘n’ roll, to velvety R&B and danceable mariachi (among many others!), these lineups are bringing lively and eclectic concerts that audiences of all ages, backgrounds and musical tastes are bound to enjoy. Scroll down to learn more about the rising stars and award-winning talent filling these five communities with the joyous sounds of free, live music! Continue reading

08_22_16_Terrance SimienTwo-time GRAMMY Award winner and three-time Levitt performer Terrance Simien brings a vibrant splash of New Orleans culture to Levitt AMP Utica tonight. His lively musical gumbo will have the whole family movin’ and groovin’ in no time! Continue reading

2016Winners_Email_smallerToday, the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation awarded $375,000 in matching grants to 15 nonprofits serving small to mid-sized towns and cities across America to produce free outdoor concerts, as part of the second annual Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards. Reflecting the Levitt Foundation’s commitment to creative placemaking projects generating community support, once again the Foundation opened the AMP selection process to the public to choose the Top 25 Finalists. Continue reading