FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
THE LEVITT AMP SPRINGFIELD MUSIC SERIES ROCKS ITS FIFTH SEASON IN DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD
Presented by PNC, free family-friendly summer concerts to feature live music from diverse performers from around the country
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series returns to downtown Springfield for a fifth season on Thursday nights starting May 30 through August 1, 2024. Presented by PNC Bank, the 10-week live concert series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber performers from across the country. The free concerts will begin at 6:00 p.m. every Thursday in the vacant block north of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion at Fourth and Jackson Streets. Check out the band lineup announced today on the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series Facebook page.
Since 2019, PNC has supported this multi-week music series and helped entertain audiences with a variety of genres from blues, rock, hip-hop, folk and more.
“PNC is proud to welcome thousands of fans to the heart of downtown Springfield where a fantastic lineup of diverse artists are positioned to bring our communities together through the power of music,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president of central Illinois. “This free, popular event attracts families and music enthusiasts, both young and old, providing an opportunity to experience the arts and culture, while enjoying all that Springfield has to offer.”
Each Thursday night, attendees will enjoy an opening act, a dance intermission and the headliner band. The public is invited to bring their own food, drinks, lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Local restaurants will be open for takeout service as well.
“The Levitt Foundation is a proud partner of Springfield, and we share in the excitement for this year’s concert series programming,” said the Foundation’s CEO, Sharon Yazowski. “It is an absolute joy to see the incredible momentum of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, reimagining the Y Block and bringing the series to life each year through dedicated volunteers, meaningful local support, and a range of community partnerships. Welcoming all to come together through free, live music as a holistic reflection of the community—that’s what Levitt is all about.”
The music series is part of the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation’s national Levitt network that has sites in 45 communities, producing hundreds of free concerts around the U.S. The ability to organize an event free to the public is made possible through generous support from sponsors, including a matching grant from the Levitt Foundation, and a three-year Presenting Sponsor commitment from PNC Bank. Production is also supported by the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, the City of Springfield, Central Baptist Church, Springfield Youth Performance, the Springfield Jaycees, among others.
In its first season, the 2019 concert series attracted more than 7,700 attendees and was voted “Best Free Entertainment” by Illinois Times readers. Last year, Levitt AMP Springfield welcomed 11,300 attendees, which represents a 47% increase in attendance from the first year.
“We are immensely grateful to the Levitt Foundation for providing such a strong base and to our volunteers, partners and sponsors for their continued support. There is nothing like this Series in Springfield,” said Christi Walden, coordinating chair of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. “Those of us on the committee are honored to be trusted with such a tremendous undertaking and blessed to work with so many capable and positive people. Thank you also to our community for recognizing the value of what we're doing and showing up every week. We don't achieve anything on our own. We are excited for our best season yet!”
The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series could not provide this free family-friendly music series without the generous support of our local sponsors including:
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Stage Sponsor: Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln
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American Sign Language Sponsor: Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC)
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Venue Sponsors: Illinois REALTORS and Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA)
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Series Sponsors: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM), LRS, Memorial Health, MSF&W (In Memory of Camron Yates), Springfield Clinic, Solution Printing and US Bank.
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Partner Organizations: 1221 Photography, Capitol Radio Group, City of Springfield, Central Baptist Church, Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, Midwest Family Broadcasting, Neuhoff Media Springfield, NPR, Springfield Area Arts Council, Springfield Jaycees, Two Men and a Truck, WICS and YMCA.
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Supporting Sponsors: ACE Sign Co., Card My Yard, Cavanaugh & O’Hara LLP, Conn’s Hospitality, Craig Russo Music, Decker Innovations, Downtown Springfield, Inc., Kerber, Eck & Braeckel, La Piazza, Miles Tees, MJ Kellner, Mosquito Joe, Nightsounds, Orthopedic Center of Illinois, Phoenix Collision Center, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD), SIU Medicine, the Smith/Stocks Smith Family Foundation, The Music Shoppe and WC Media.
For information about the performance schedule, upcoming announcements and timely updates follow Levitt AMP Springfield on Facebook and Instagram. Those interested in volunteering at the concerts should contact levittamp@downtownspringfield.org.
In addition to the free concerts, there will be many more attractions for season five, including but not limited to:
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Central Baptist Church will facilitate a free book program every week. Books can be donated at the concerts and will be available for anyone to borrow for the evening or take home.
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The Illinois Governor's Mansion will be offering a special visitor experience prior to the Levitt AMP concerts on four select Thursdays - June 6, June 13, July 18 and July 25. On these days, guided 20-30 minute experiences will be offered for guests to see portions of the Mansion. Guests will be guided through the ground, and first-floor levels, interacting with knowledgeable docents. You must reserve a spot at https://LevittMansionVisit.eventbrite.com.
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On June 13, the Juneteenth Celebration Committee is co-hosting the Levitt AMP concert as part of their weekend-long celebration of Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, as it commemorates the last slave becoming free on June 19, 1865. The Juneteenth Celebration includes a Friday night event at the Illinois State Museum and Saturday and Sunday activities at Comer Cox Park.
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SMTD partners with Levitt AMP Springfield to take concertgoers to the fun! Currently, Night Service Route 904 serves the Y block after 6PM returning to transfer connecting to the 901, 902, 903 and 905. For up-to-the-minute Thursday night routes to downtown, visit https://www.smtd.org/
About Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation
The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming and inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together, fosters belonging, and invigorates community life. www.levitt.org
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE RIDE TO LEVITT AMP CONCERTS TO BE A BREEZE WITH SMTD
Evening Bus Service to Take Riders to Site of the Free, Thursday Evening Concerts
SPRINGFIELD, IL. --The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series presented by PNC Bank and the Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) are teaming up to make a ride to the 2022 concert series affordable, convenient, and fun for everyone.
“SMTD is excited to provide public transportation from many areas of our community to the Levitt AMP concert series. We look forward to seeing everyone this summer!” said Steve Schoeffel, SMTD Executive Director.
The two organizations released a video on Levitt AMP Springfield’s social media pages encouraging attendees to consider taking the bus. When the concerts begin on Thursday, June 2, adults (13 and over) can ride SMTD for as little as $1.25, children ages 6-12 for $0.60, and kids 5 and under ride free. SMTD makes it easy to avoid driving and parking for the evening.
Friends of Transit member Jane Ford is also pleased to hear that bus service will take passengers to and from the concerts. She said, “Using bus transportation and supporting downtown events is a win-win for all of Springfield." Bus ridership is a good idea for several reasons, according to Faith Coalition for the Common Good Community Organizer Tyshianna Bankhead. "Although I own a vehicle, my favorite way to travel is by public transportation. Riding SMTD is affordable and convenient. It is a great communal activity for conversation and is environmentally friendly." Y Block
Bus Routes To get to the Y Block, take Route 8 from the transfer center at 5, 5:30 or 6 pm and arrive at the Y Block (bus stop #2227) within five minutes. To get home, catch Route 903 at bus stop #1419 by INB at 8:45 pm to get back to the transfer center. For up-to-the-minute route and schedule information, go to SMTD.org or scan the SMTD QR code:
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About The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series presented by PNC Bank, a free, 10- week concert series featuring a diverse line-up on the “Y Block” next to the Governor’s Mansion, is made possible by a matching grant from the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private foundation that partners with towns and cities across America to activate underused public spaces, creating thriving and inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together through the power of free, live music.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEVITT AMP SPRINGFIELD MUSIC SERIES KICKS OFF SEASON THREE
Presented by PNC, free summer concerts to feature live music from diverse performers around the country
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is returning for a third season starting June 2 through August 4. Presented by PNC, the 10-week live concert series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber performers from across the country. The free concerts will begin at 6 p.m. every Thursday in the vacant Y block north of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. For a full schedule and information about the artists, visit http://levittampspringfield.org.
“We are thrilled to renew our support for a lineup of performances that will help bring together our neighbors, their families, and attract visitors to the heart of downtown Springfield,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president of Central Illinois. “The varied talent showcased in this series is a perfect example of how the arts can enrich and ultimately build stronger, more vibrant communities.”
Organizers have also created a new program for the 2022 season called “Dance Intermission” where local and regional dance troupes will perform during the half-hour intermission between the opening and headline music acts each night.
“From vacant to vibrant—transforming the Y Block into a welcoming destination reflects the power of a community’s collective reimagination of a public space,” said Sharon Yazowski, executive director of the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. “We’re excited to see the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series continue to grow in its third year, bringing joy to people of all ages and backgrounds through free live concerts, while also fueling the rebirth of the Y Block as a central gathering place where the community can come together all year long.”
The music series is part of the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation’s national Levitt AMP network of 18 locations which produce nearly 200 free summer concerts around the U.S. The ability to organize an event free to the public is made possible through generous support from sponsors, including a matching grant from the Levitt Foundation, and a production partnership between the Springfield Area Arts Council, Downtown Springfield Inc, Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, Springfield Park District, Springfield Jaycees, and the City of Springfield, among others.
The public is invited to host picnics and bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Local restaurants will be open for takeout service as well.
In its first season, the 2019 concert series attracted more than 7,700 attendees and was voted “Best Free Entertainment” by Illinois Times readers. The second season, originally scheduled for summer of 2020 but postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19, attracted more than 18,000 fans.
Other generous sponsors include Stage Sponsor Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, Venue Sponsors Illinois REALTORS and US Bank, and Series Sponsors Springfield Clinic, Memorial Health, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, Wyndham Springfield City Centre, and Pole Barn Chic. Supporting Sponsors include Orthopedic Center of Illinois, Dave & Val Leonatti, Nightsounds on NPR Illinois, Craig Russo Music, Sangamon Mass Transit District, Urban Action Network, and Republic Services.
Concert sponsors include FitClub, the Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce/The Springfield Project, Kerber Eck & Braeckel, Conn's Hospitality, Heartland Coca Cola, Cavanagh & O’Hara, Encore Consulting, Best Version Media, Senator Doris Turner, and Dumb Records.
Other sponsors include La Piazza Cucina Italiana, Star Graphics & Media, Juneteenth Celebration Committee, Alderman Shawn Gregory, Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase, Alderwoman Kristin DiCenso, Alderwoman Erin Conley, Treasurer Misty Buscher, Springfield Youth Performance Group, State Representative Tim Butler, Alderman Joe McMenamin and Mayor Jim Langfelder.
Those interested in volunteering at the concerts should contact the Springfield Jaycees at spfldjaycees@gmail.com.
For information about the performance schedule, and upcoming announcements on the opening bands and Dance Intermission performances, visit http://levittampspringfield.org. For timely updates to the schedule and changes due to inclement weather, please follow Levitt AMP Springfield on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
About The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series
The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private foundation that partners with towns and cities across America to activate underused public spaces, creating thriving and inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together through the power of free, live music. In 2022, free Levitt concerts will bring a broad array of musical experiences and high-caliber artists to communities nationwide. Learn more at levitt.org
MORE ATTRACTIONS FOR SEASON THREE:
● The Springfield Park District will be hosting children’s activities during each evening of the concerts.
● On June 2nd, Senator Doris Turner will host Jazzy Senior Night with AARP, Abundant Faith Christian Center, AgeLinc, Fresh Visions Senior Ministry, GANT Senior Ministry, and Timberlake Estates.
● On June 16th, the Juneteenth Celebration Committee and Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce are co-hosting the first night of a weekend-long celebration of Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, as it commemorates the last slave becoming free on June 19, 1865. The Juneteenth Celebration includes a Friday night event at the Illinois State Museum and Saturday and Sunday activities at Comer Cox Park.
● On June 30th, the Springfield Jaycees will host their annual fireworks after the performances, presented by Pole Barn Chic.
● SMTD will be partnering with Levitt AMP Springfield to remind concert-goers that bus services take you to the fun! Currently, Night Service Route 903 serves the Y block after 6PM returning to transfer connecting to the 901, 902 and 905. For up-to-the-minute Thursday night routes to downtown, visit https://www.smtd.org/.
● Organizers are coordinating a 10-booth Makers’ Row in addition to food and beverage vendors.
● The Faith Coalition for the Common Good's Ntosake Women's Leadership team will be conducting grassroots outreach to invite citizens to the concerts.
Springfield State Journal-Register: Silent no more, the popular Levitt AMP music series returns to downtown Springfield
Levitt AMP reVerb Blog: Spotlight on Levitt AMP Springfield
WUIS/NPR: CV - The Garvey Tubman Cultural Center & Springfield Area Arts Council
Illinois TImes: Performing in a Pandemic
DONATE ONLINE
If you'd like to make a financial contribution to the Levitt AMP Springfield concert series, click on the PayPal link below, then select 'Levitt AMP' from the drop-down menu.