Tag Archives: Playing For Change

Playing for Change performing at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena as part of the 2014 Levitt National Tour.

Playing for Change performing at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena as part of the 2014 Levitt National Tour.

Whether it’s blues, samba or hip hop, much of the music that reverberates from Levitt stages is made possible because artists from around the world are able to come together, inspire each other and collaborate creatively. The Levitt Foundation is proud to support platforms for international artists to express themselves and bring community members together through music. As Syrian musician Kinan Azmeh, who has lived in the United States for the past 16 years, recently told NPR, “I continue to believe that making music is an act of freedom.”

Embracing all Levitt artists and Levitteers—no matter their country of origin—is a big part of our mission to strengthen the social fabric of America, which has been immeasurably shaped by immigrants. Take a look at a few of the many artists from around the world who have graced Levitt venues! Continue reading


We’re thrilled to see some familiar faces honoring the 1970 Grateful Dead classic, “Ripple.” This is one tribute you don’t want to miss!

Earlier this month, headlining act of last summer’s inaugural Levitt National Tour, Playing For Change, released this powerful cover in conjunction with a milestone performance in the Grateful Dead’s long and prolific career—their 50th anniversary and final concert. Continue reading

Spotify Playlist CollageWhether 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).

 

Levitt Arlington drum circle participants came out in huge numbers before Playing For Change's show!

Levitt Arlington drum circle participants came out in huge numbers before Playing For Change’s show!

The first Levitt National Tour is underway. And while you may be coming out to see the phenomenal live performance by the World music group Playing For Change, if you get to the show early, you’ll notice something truly unique happening on the Levitt lawn: a community drum circle.

“A drum circle is an in-the-moment music event open to everyone, no experience needed,” says John Fitzgerald, a drum circle facilitator and Manager of Recreational Music Activities for Remo Incorporated. “The whole idea is that music is the vehicle to connect people, and a drum circle is about bringing people together.” Continue reading

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.

472720116_1280

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.

It’s a sure sign of warmer evenings to come when the free concert season at the Levitt is announced!

Every year, the six Levitt venues across the country each present 50+ free shows featuring acclaimed artists in a variety of genres. New this summer is the inaugural Levitt National Tour with World music group Playing For Change—they’ll be stopping at five Levitt venues along with the future Levitt site in Denver.

While we still have more big names and big news to come, here’s a quick peek at season dates and concert highlights. We’ll be updating the list as details are announced!

Continue reading

The Playing for Change touring band.

The Playing For Change touring band will be appearing at six Levitt locations across America.

We’re thrilled to announce that the acclaimed World music group Playing For Change will headline the first-ever Levitt National Tour. Taking place over a three-week period next summer, the National Tour will stop at six Levitt locations—five existing venues (Arlington, Bethlehem, Los Angeles, Memphis and Pasadena) and one in the works (Denver). In addition to the concerts, the Tour will feature pre-concert conversations with the artists and drum circles, inviting the entire audience to participate.

Continue reading