Photo: Levitt Denver Staff | By Jessi Whitten, Levitt Foundation | Levitt Pavilion Denver announced today the launch of the Levitt Future Fund, a new fund for capital improvements and enhanced accessibility for the 6,500-capacity nonprofit venue in Ruby Hill Park, beginning with a $500,000 project slated for early next year.
The upcoming project, to be completed in time for the 2025 season, will enhance physical accessibility, create new spaces for connection and support the organization’s long term sustainability. Key components include the extension of the paved pathway and improved lighting across the north arc of the lawn, expanded ADA seating options, completion of durable artificial turf throughout the lower bowl, a new audio booth structure and two concrete terraces to be used for member events, private rentals and partner activations. Levitt will grant free use of the patios to other nonprofits and community organizations a minimum of five times each season, with a focus on those providing services in Ruby Hill and surrounding neighborhoods.
“We have big plans for the future to continually reimagine the audience experience and make our venue more accessible, more beautiful and more sustainable,” said Executive Director Meghan McNamara, adding,“Seven years in, we know this community understands the value Levitt provides, and we hope they will be part of this exciting initiative to build Levitt’s future together.”
With early commitments from Denver Parks and Recreation and the national Levitt Foundation, and a grant from Bonfils-Stanton Foundation and the Levitt Future Fund has secured $275,000 to date — 55% of the $500,000 goal. With $225,000 remaining to be raised in 2024, Levitt Pavilion is now launching the public campaign and turning to the community to invest. Individual donations in any amount are a meaningful contribution to Levitt, with benefits beginning at the $100 level, permanent onsite recognition beginning at $1,000 and multi-year naming rights beginning at $50,000. A full range of giving tiers and benefits is available here.
“The Levitt Foundation is proud to be part of this initiative to enhance the Levitt Denver experience for everyone who visits the venue,” said Sharon Yazowski, Chief Executive Officer of the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. “Creating spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with each other, discover resources in their community and feel welcomed to fully participate in the concert experience is at the heart of the Foundation’s vision.”
With a mission to build community through music, Levitt presents 50+ free, all-ages concerts and events each season, including co-curated programs with an array of nonprofits and cultural leaders to reflect the diversity of the Denver Metro Area. Since opening in 2017, Levitt Pavilion Denver has become Colorado’s largest provider of free live music experiences, and last year welcomed more than 130,000 visitors in 2023 and anticipates continued audience growth as it enhances the concert experience and creates a more accessible facility.
Beyond the concert stage, Levitt Pavilion Denver is committed to investing in a more equitable and inclusive future for the music industry, through programs like Bodies of Culture, a fully paid internship program and other workforce development initiatives. The independent nonprofit operates in a unique partnership with the City of Denver Parks and Recreation, a compelling example of the power of public-private partnerships to provide value to the community.
“Our dedication to enhancing this cherished park amenity through capital improvements, bolstered by collaborative partnerships, reflects our commitment of creating dynamic, accessible, and sustainable outdoor spaces that bring communities together,” said Jolon Clark, Executive Director of Denver Parks and Recreation. “Levitt Pavilion Denver reflects the heartbeat of our communities, and we are excited to see this space evolve to better serve those who visit.”
Levitt Pavilion Denver opened its 2024 concert season on May 1, with an independently produced ticketed show featuring slowdive with Drab Majesty, followed by a free concert headlined by L.A. Witch with Denver-based Pink Fuzz on May 4. The 2024 season will offer audiences 53 free concerts and events, including Cine en La Colina / Film on the Hill, a collaboration with Denver Film Society and Biennial of the Americas, and Yoga on the Lawn, offering free yoga classes throughout the summer.
Through the Levitt Future Fund, Levitt will solidify its position as both a locally-driven community gathering place and a destination venue for music lovers for many years to come. To learn more about the 2025 capital project and contribute to the Levitt Future Fund, visit www.levittdenver.org/futurefund.
About the Levitt Network
Levitt Pavilion Denver is part of a national network of changemakers and nonprofits dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities in America through free, live music in outdoor public spaces. Levitt music series are presented by a range of organizations, with Levitt Denver managed, programmed, and supported by the nonprofit Friends of Levitt Denver. Presenting high-caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues and concert sites are welcoming, inclusive destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together.
In 2024, the Levitt network is presenting 650+ free concerts in 45 towns and cities across the country, with audiences over 750,000. In addition to supporting free concerts, the Levitt Foundation is dedicated to advancing equitable music ecosystems through research and partnerships. For more information about the Levitt Foundation and national network, visit https://www.levitt.org
For more information about tickets, parking, venue information, VIP upgrades, and donations please visit https://www.levittdenver.org
For more information, contact Jessi Whitten at jessi@levittdenver.org
https://www.LevittDenver.org
May 16, 2024| Colorado Music-Related Business| Barb Dye