Levitt Pavilions named Cleveland as one of 10 small to mid-sized cities across America to win a Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Award of $25K in matching funds to produce a free concert series at the Green Space on the Crosstie Walking Trail. Delta State University’s Foundation, Delta State University and the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce submitted a winning proposal for a Levitt AMP Grant Award, which was selected by a public vote during November.
The grant provides a $25,000 matching fund to provide a free concert series in downtown Cleveland. The City of Cleveland provided a letter of support for the project, and Delta State’s Delta Music Institute will take lead on the unique opportunity.
“I’m delighted with the awarding of this Levitt grant. It will offer all the citizens of Cleveland an opportunity to enjoy some wonderful outdoor music concerts for free. This will be a great way for Cleveland to come together in support of music and entertainment here in the Delta as we prepare to open GRAMMY Museum Mississippi,” said Tricia Walker, director of Delta Music Institute. “We really appreciate the support of those who voted via social media platforms on our behalf. It’s a real win-win for Cleveland!”
Charly Abraham, instructor of Entertainment Industry Studies, speaks about the learning experience that students will be offered.
“The Levitt grant will provide a unique opportunity for DMI students to work and learn in a real-world environment. Students will be involved from beginning to end. They will start with the planning and booking and will be the last ones at the venue on the 10th night, packing gear and rolling microphone cables,” said Abraham.
Lisa Cooley, Team Cleveland Main Street Manager for the Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, recognizes that the grant will be huge for Cleveland, especially the downtown area.
“Events that bring people to our community can provide a huge economic impact for Cleveland. These concerts will not only allow us to bring visitors in to the area, but they also help improve upon the quality of place for our residents by providing more artistic programming opportunities,” said Cooley.
Cleveland was selected as one of 10 small to mid-sized cities across America to receive this award.
“We are thrilled to announce the Levitt AMP Grant Awards winners. Each made a compelling case for how the Levitt AMP Music Series will activate a public space and strengthen the social and economic fibers of their communities,” says Sharon Yazowski, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilions. “The Green Space on the Crosstie Walking Trail is the ideal site for the Levitt AMP [Cleveland] Music Series, creating a destination where the entire community can gather to celebrate the Delta’s rich musical legacy and the historic launch of the new GRAMMY Museum.”
The concert project will reflect the three goals defined by Levitt Pavilions, which are to amplify community pride and the city’s unique character; enrich lives through the power of free, live music; and illustrate the importance of vibrant public places.
The winning proposal and project idea is available online at http://amp.levittpavilions.org/single/event_id/304/?action=view.
In addition to the monetary award to produce the 10 free concerts, Levitt AMP winners will receive a toolkit containing valuable resources to help them successfully produce their concert series. Funding for the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards is made possible by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private family foundation. Learn more: http://amp.levittpavilions.org
