CUDNTWN - Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the status of large public gatherings in Illinois due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- and out of concern for the health, safety and well-being of our community -- the organizers of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, in consultation with the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, have made the difficult decision to postpone the second season of the popular ten-week music series to 2021.
“This concert series is about bringing all of Springfield together, and we’ll put on an amazing series at the Y Block when we can once again gather in large groups safely,” said Lisa Clemmons Stott, Executive Director of Downtown Springfield Inc., one of the partner organizations.
Added Scott Troehler, President of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, “This decision did not come easily, as it impacts many people in our community, including our dedicated volunteers and crew, artists, presenting partners, community partners, vendors and sponsors, in addition to the thousands of friends, families and neighbors who were looking forward to free Levitt AMP concerts on the Y Block this summer.”
There will still be music this summer, thanks to the Levitt Foundation. Springfield will be featured in the National Levitt AMP Virtual Music Series, taking place online from June 1 – August 28, 2020, with concerts airing twice a week. The Springfield-based trio The Deep Hollow will be Springfield’s featured musicians in the Levitt AMP Virtual Music Series (air date, July 24). The band had been scheduled to play Springfield’s planned 2020 season on the Y Block that would have started tonight.
The popular, local trio of Micah Walk, Elizabeth Eckert and Dave Littrell provide a "stripped-down, harmony-laden ode to classic Americana" and released their sophomore album Weary Traveler in late 2018. They opened for Lionel Richie in 2019 at BOS Center.
Look for at least one more announcement this summer from Levitt AMP Springfield.
Springfield’s organizing committee is currently putting together its application for a Levitt Foundation 2020 bridge grant created in response to the pandemic. The grants of $5,000 can be used by Levitt AMP communities to keep building community in 2020 despite our inability to gather.
“While for now the show must not go on, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to gather safely once again to experience the joy of free, live music in the heart of our town,” said Sheila Walk, Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council.
Stay tuned to @LevittAMPSpringfield on social media, as we spotlight artists, post livestreaming performances and share updates when Levitt AMP concerts will return.
The Levitt AMP City Springfield Music Series is supported with a matching grant from the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private foundation that empowers towns and cities across America to transform underused public spaces into thriving destinations through the power of free, live music. In 2019, more than 550 free Levitt concerts took place in 26 towns and cities including Springfield, all featuring a rich array of music genres and high-caliber talent. Springfield’s second season was supposed to start May 28th with support from premier sponsor PNC Bank. Learn more at levitt.org.
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