Levitt Pavilions

LEVITTPAVILIONS

REBUILDING AMERICAN COMMUNITY LIFE ONE CITY, AND ONE CONCERT, AT A TIME

Levitt Pavilions

WHO WE ARE

LEVITT PAVILIONS is a national nonprofit or-

ganization that exists to strengthen the social fabric of

America. We partner with cities to transform neglected

outdoor spaces into welcoming destinations where the

power of free, live music brings people together and in-

vigorates community life.

Currently, there are six Levitt pavilions across the country,

forming the only national network of nonprofit outdoor

music venues. Each offers more than 50 free concerts

annually featuring acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned,

award-winning artists in all music genres. Collectively, these

venues present 300+ concerts every year.

Levitt’s family-friendly vibe and open green spaces attract

people of all ages and backgrounds. Friends, neighbors, as

well as those whose paths might not cross otherwise, gather

to relax on the lawn or dance to the music. Every year, more

than half a million people experience the joy of Levitt. In the

coming years, the Levitt program will reach millions as we

significantly expand across America.

1907 Mortimer Levitt is born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of struggling immigrant parents.

stands outside concert gates at Coney Island’s Luna Park, where his father worked as a street vendor.

1920s Mortimer begins his lifelong love affair with music under the stars. Unable to afford admission, Mortimer

Creating community and social interaction among people of all ages and backgrounds

Empowering cities across America to reclaim green spaces and reinvigorate public spaces

Ensuring the performing arts are accessible

to all through high-quality, free concerts

Our goal is to inspire the best of American city life by:

We love what Levitt Pavilions represents: a place where everyone

in the community is welcome and is

entertained by amazing, first-rate artists.

Rebecca Eacret Kaplan and Noah Kaplan, Donors

www.levittpavilions.org 310.275.5628 Levitt Pavilions

Memphis

Westport

Bethlehem

Arlington

Pasadena

Los Angeles

1937 Fourteen years after dropping out of high school to support his mother and younger brothers, Mortimer becomes a clothier, opening the first Custom Shop in New York City.

1941 Mortimer’s high-end shirts attract celebrities, politi-cians and businessmen, mak-ing him extremely successful.

1948 Mortimer marries Annemarie Gratzinger, affec-tionately known as “Mimi.”

1950 Mortimer and Mimi begin spending their summers in Westport, Connecticut.

1963 Mortimer creates the Mortimer Levitt Foundation to combat drug addiction and support youth music programs, performing arts organizations, andeducational institutions.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Arlington, Texas

Memphis, Tennessee

*Westport, Connecticut

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Denver, Colorado

Los Angeles, California

Pasadena, California

Houston, Texas

Future Levitt Pavilion

New venue coming soon*

WHERE WE’RE LOCATED

Levitt Pavilions

WHY WE MATTER

FOR THE FIRST TIME in our country’s history, America is a na-

tion of cities. According to 2010 U.S. Census figures, about 250 million of

us—more than 80 percent—live in or near metropolitan areas.

The great promise of city life is that it connects us more deeply to the so-

cial fabric of our country. Look around and there are people everywhere.

And yet too often, the demands on our daily lives are complex and fast-

paced, pushing us in competing directions and affording us little oppor-

tunity to connect with others.

WHICH IS WHY PUBLIC SPACES PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE LIFE OF OUR CITIES.

At their best, public spaces function as third places—those informal gath-

ering spots outside the realms of home and the workplace where all feel

welcome. Places where we meet friends, say hello to neighbors, and in-

teract easily with strangers.

Our nation’s third places were once plentiful and served a critical purpose in

the creation of healthy, vibrant communities. Town squares, village greens

and public band shells drew people of all persuasions together, provid-

ing a space where they could gather and feel a sense of belonging. Yet in

the last several decades, too many of these spaces have become under-

used, inaccessible, or have disappeared completely.

Without lively and active third places, the social glue that binds a city and

its people together starts to disintegrate. People become disconnected

from one another and less engaged in their communities. Parks are aban-

doned. Businesses shut down. Downtowns become dormant. Crime rates

soar. And the livability of a city declines.

The Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks is truly

one of the more transformative

projects on this former brownfield site. It has

been nothing less than a ‘game changer.’ More than its award-winning design, the Levitt Pavilion is a

unique symbol of the SteelStacks’ rebirth. In what was a desert of

harsh grey and rust just a few short years ago,

today is an oasis of soft green and gleaming

steel that comes alive with music hundreds

of days a year for the enjoyment of the people of Bethlehem

and the region.

Tony Hanna, Executive Director Redevelopment Authority

City of Bethlehem


LEVITT PAVILIONS IS PROOF THAT FREE, LIVE MUSIC IS A MAGNET FOR COMMUNITY.

Levitt Pavilions is a catalyst for long-term commu-

nity engagement. For a Levitt venue to become

a reality, city leaders and engaged citizens must

come together to create a long-lasting impact

in their city. Once a pavilion opens, upwards of

100,000 people citywide each year are invested in

the ongoing success of their Levitt Pavilion—from

concertgoers and performers to volunteers, com-

munity partners and local sponsors.

Levitt concert is free, everyone, regardless of

background or circumstance, is welcome. The so-

cial and economic barriers that often preclude ac-

cess to the performing arts are broken. Each Levitt

venue is strategically located and easily accessible

to a wide range of socio economic groups that

comprise a city’s population.

Levitt’s open lawn setting encourages people to

mingle, strengthening existing social connections

and fostering interactions among those who might

not otherwise cross paths. There’s no front row,

no back row. Just a grassy lawn filled with picnic

blankets and lawn chairs. Friends dancing, children

playing, neighbors toasting. Often times, people

come early, soaking up the atmosphere, and linger

after the show, enjoying the company of others.

A Levitt concert also contributes to healthy living.

People are outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, danc-

ing, laughing, energized by their surroundings.

Dozens of studies over the past several decades

have shown that activities promoting social inter-

action have numerous health benefits—reducing

stress and contributing to our general sense of

well-being. And music makes people happy: Neu-

roscientists at Montreal’s McGill University recently LEVITT PAVILIONS STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY ATTACHMENT AND FOSTERS HUMAN CONNECTIONS.

A 2010 Gallup poll funded by the Knight Founda-

tion examined what attaches people to their com-

munities. After interviewing a broad spectrum of

the population living in 26 U.S. cities, the find-

ings surprised many but confirmed what Levitt

Pavilions has held to be true all along.

The top three predictors of community attachment?

Social offerings, including community events and places where people can meet;

A community’s openness to diverse age groups and racial and ethnic minorities;

Physical beauty, as seen in green spaces, parks, attractive waterfronts, etc.

The Levitt Shell has been such an important part of the culture and life of Memphis.…

A simple but elegant place. No fences. No barriers. Just sit back and enjoy the closeness

of your friends and neighbors with free music under the stars.

Mayor A.C. Wharton, City of Memphis

LEVITT PAVILIONS IS A MEANINGFUL SOLUTION TO THE ABSENCE OF THIRD PLACES IN AMERICAN CITIES.

We are the only national network of outdoor music

venues committed to invigorating community life

through free, live music concerts.

In recent years, the idea of creative placemaking has become a driving force in urban planning. This

concept positions arts and culture at the center

of economic development and community revital-

ization, and it has gained credibility and support

among thought leaders, local governments and

private funders across the country.

Long before creative placemaking became a hot

topic in cultural and city planning circles, Levitt Pa-

vilions was in the field testing our own theory—that

underused or abandoned public spaces could be-

come popular third places through public/private

partnerships harnessing the power of free, live music.

Our theory has proven true.

Consider what Levitt music venues used to be: A

brownfield in Bethlehem, Pa.; a problematic landfill

in Westport, Conn.; crime-ridden and abandoned

parks in Memphis, Tenn., Los Angeles and Pasadena,

Calif.; and a dormant downtown with little economic

activity in Arlington, Texas.

Today, each of these formerly challenged sites

has been transformed into a dynamic and family-

friendly third place, creating long-term ripple ef-

fects and injecting life and joy into a city and the

people it serves. Green spaces are sustained. Com-

munities are safer. And people’s lives are enriched

through exposure to the performing arts.

Commercial activity surrounding Levitt pavilions

has also been on the rise, demonstrating how the

Levitt program is an engine for economic devel-

opment. In downtown Arlington, Texas, for exam-

ple, more than half a dozen new restaurants have

opened for business in Levitt’s vicinity since the pa-

vilion opened in this bedroom community in 2008.

In Bethlehem, Pa., the formerly depressed South Side

is experiencing a renaissance and businesses are flour-

ishing, thanks to the visitors who attend Levitt Pavilion

SteelStacks and neighboring cultural venues.

The Levitt Pavilion has been an essential player and partner in the revitalization of MacArthur Park, the neighborhoods

immediately surrounding the park and downtown Los Angeles. The

pavilion is true to its mission of building ‘community through music.’

Barry A. Sanders, President Los Angeles Parks Commission

MacArthur Park, once a center of crime and gang activity, has been renewed

and is now a vital part of community life in Los Angeles. I am deeply grateful to Levitt Pavilions for serving as a catalyst in the park’s revitalization by creating a music destination for surrounding

communities and the city as a whole.

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, City of Los Angeles

You may ask why we choose free, live music as

the vehicle to activate third places. Live music

has always been a social connector. Because each

found that listening to music releases the feel-good

chemical dopamine, which produces pleasure sen-

sations in our brains. Scientists believe this helps

explain why music has played such an important

role in societies throughout history.

Look at a Levitt venue, and you’ll quickly recognize

that it encompasses these three essential qualities.

Create a national network of

welcoming outdoor spaces where

people of all backgrounds can

gather easily and frequently.

SOMETIMES THE MOST POWERFUL IDEAS ARE ALSO THE MOST SIMPLE.Offer free, live music by

acclaimed and emerging artists

over a sustained period of time.

Watch how these spaces become

coveted anchors of community life

across America.


Music is vital to the human experience. Levitt Pavilions has transformed Memphis and the

Shell at Overton Park into the perfect setting. What a great gift of love.

Booker T. JonesGRAMMY®-winning musician and producer

1971 Citizens of Westport organize to transform a problematic landfill into a community gathering space. When Mor-timer is approached to become a funder, he seizes the opportunity to support an outdoor stage offering free concerts.

1973 The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Westport opens to the public, named in hon-or of the Levitt’s generous capital gift and ongoing support. Free concerts under the stars become a way of life for Westport.

1997 Mortimer sells his fashion empire of 70 retail branches and transfers the proceeds to his family Foundation, for the purpose of helping communities es-tablish their own Levitt music venue. He

envisions free concerts across America.

1999 Mortimer and his daughter, Liz Levitt Hirsch, begin developing the Foundation’s innovative venture philanthropy program, developing a structure for seed funding and activating the Levitt program through public/private partnerships.


HOW WE DO IT WHERE WE’RE HEADED

2003 The Founda-tion’s first venture philanthropy project is realized with the opening of the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena, Calif., reviving a WPA

band shell in a former-ly abandoned park.

2004 Mortimer ap-points Liz to head the Foundation’s venture philanthropy

program, entrusting her to fulfill his vision.

2005 Mortimer Levitt pass-es away at the age of 98.

2007 Levitt Pavilion opens

LEVITT PAVILIONS’ model of community

engagement is groundbreaking.

Levitt Pavilions connects the public and private

sectors using free, live music as a vehicle to cre-

ate viable and long-lasting third places. We are the

only national network of music venues that pres-

ents an annual series of concerts free to the pub-

lic. What’s more, Levitt Pavilions is committed to

developing Levitt venues in areas that need com-

munity revitalization—underused, abandoned or

crime-ridden public spaces in our nation’s cities. And

once we commit to opening a music venue, Levitt

Pavilions becomes a lifelong partner, from the begin-

ning of development through ongoing operations.

Each local Levitt venue is a true community-driven

project—the result of a collective agreement among

civic leaders and engaged citizens. Typically located

in public parks, each Levitt venue is a city-owned fa-

cility, which is managed and programmed by a local

Friends of Levitt Pavilion (FOLP) nonprofit organi-

zation. Through this public/private partnership, re-

sources are leveraged to reduce expenses and en-

sure cost-efficient operations.

In addition to managing its Levitt venue, each

FOLP raises funds annually to support operations

and programming. Each FOLP presents 50+ free

concerts every year, selecting artists that capture

the flavor and local traditions of their city.

Levitt Pavilions is musician-friendly. While Levitt

concerts are free to the public, musicians are paid a

competitive fee to perform, ensuring a high level of

excellence. We support emerging talent as well as

award-winning artists, and expose audiences to an

array of music and culturally diverse performances.

The Levitt model works. And we’re here to stay.

Through an innovative venture philanthropy pro-

gram supported by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt

Foundation, Levitt Pavilions offers participating

cities seed funding and ongoing financial assis-

tance. We also provide a support system to maxi-

mize the impact of the national Levitt network, in-

cluding best practices, professional development

opportunities, shared programming, peer-to-peer

networking and cost-saving resources.

Because each Levitt venue schedules 50+ free

concerts every year—a minimum of three days per

week during the concert season—people come to

know the Levitt as the perfect place to go for fun,

free entertainment to enjoy with friends and neigh-

bors. From regulars to those who just happen

upon a Levitt concert, everyone finds delight in

the shared cultural experience. Even when Lev-

itt concerts are not in season, these venues and

public spaces are activated through other com-

munity events and remain a vital part of the city.

Levitt Pavilions has built a strong track record for

success. Our solid reputation enables Levitt venues

to attract high-caliber artists, business sponsors and

loyal audiences. Once a Levitt venue opens, it is po-

sitioned to succeed because it has the support and

expertise of Levitt Pavilions, a commitment from the

city and the enthusiasm of an engaged community.

EVERY YEAR, more than half a million people experience

the joy of Levitt. Expansion is accelerating. By 2020, there will

be 20 Levitt music venues, serving 1.5 million people annually.

economic activity in this once dormant area.

a historic city jewel where Elvis Presley performed his first professional concert.

2008 Levitt Pavilion opens in downtown Arlington, Texas, serving as a catalyst to drive

in MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, transforming this once crime-ridden park into a welcoming destination.

2008 Levitt Shell opens in Memphis, Tenn., revitalizing

www.levittpavilions.org 310.275.5628

HELP CREATE COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

CONTACT US310.275.5628

9951 Kip Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210

[email protected]

www.levittpavilions.org

OUR VISION is an America filled with thriving pub-

lic spaces, creating community and human connections

that extend into daily life. An America where people from

all walks of life can experience the joy of Levitt. Where

a senior feels young again, dancing in a conga line with

teenagers. Where an unemployed father finds comfort

at the sight of his family laughing with others on the

grassy lawn. Where a young couple picnics with their

neighbors, deepening friendships.

But we cannot do it alone. With your support, existing

Levitt pavilions will continue to flourish and our national

network of music venues will expand to reach millions

of people every year.

Together, we can rebuild American community life

one city, and one concert, at a time.

David Jarrett, Donor

Access to the arts should be a right,

not a privilege. Levitt Pavilions works

to make that dream a reality, one

community at a time.

My experience at the Levitt was amazing. I learned how to give

back to my community, and just seeing those

little kids smile brought joy to my heart.

Henry Cabrales, Student Intern Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles

2009 Levitt Pavilions is founded as a national nonprofit to steer national expansion and engage additional funders.

2011 Levitt Pavilion Steel-

Stacks opens in Bethlehem, Pa., giving new life to the nation’s largest brownfield.

2012 The Foundation is renamed the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, in

honor of Mimi’s contributions to philanthropy and advanc-ing the Levitt mission.

2012 Levitt Pavilions antici-pates growth to 20 pavilions nationwide by 2020.

Documents

Levitt Pavilions