At the root of every true success story are the people who helped write the narrative. This month, we are both saddened and honored to share the story of Levitt’s very own late Elizabeth “Liz” Levitt Hirsch. She has made substantial contributions to Levitt Foundation, and its profound musical story. Each and every person who attends our free weekly concerts has been impacted by Liz’s work and dedication to live music. This season, our 6th annual Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series has been dedicated to her legacy.
Music is a transformative vehicle for healing, for togetherness, for celebrating our shared humanity.”
Liz Levitt Hirsch
After a fierce battle with ovarian cancer, Liz passed away this past May at the age of 72 surrounded by her loving family. A widely respected advocate of the arts, community and social justice, Liz possessed the very rare capability to channel a personal passion into true, progressive change. Liz’s life-long dedication to the performing arts and social unity was brought to life in the purest form of free, live, local music–the very same music that so many communities, like Woonsocket, enjoy today.
For a decade, Liz served as the Board President of her family’s foundation, the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, hosting Levitt Foundation offices in her home until 2015. She leaned heavily into the theory that free, outdoor music would strengthen the core of a community. The list of Liz’s achievements within the Levitt Foundation is truly endless. From being a boots on the ground Levitt donor and activist, traveling nationwide introducing Levitt’s mission, to leading philanthropic efforts and attending Levitt events, Liz saw the Levitt dream through in its entirety. Today, the Foundation’s giving has grown to support free music in over 50 towns and cities across America, through over 650 free Levitt concerts, while serving more than 800,000 people every year.
She was truly incredible. Liz accomplished so much with her drive and vision. We are so fortunate she chose to foster and expand her love of music and invest in musicians and community. We celebrated Liz at our 7/19 concert with ‘glow up.’ Every attendee received a glow bracelet, in true Levitt fashion, they assisted their neighbors in putting on their bracelet and lit up the park to remind us of Liz’s legacy and commitment to joy and connectedness.”
NWBRV’s Meg Rego
A champion of Levitt’s spend-down ideals, Liz supported Levitt’s 2023 decision to become a Spend Down Foundation. Thanks to her tireless energy and drive, the Levitt Foundation, which throughout the past two decades has helped over 60 non-profits bring thousands of free outdoor concerts to millions through their grantmaking, will spend the next 18 years of nationwide concert series spending down the foundation’s $150,000,000 endowment. By becoming a Spend Down, the Levitt Foundation is able to magnify the impact the money has by getting it out into the community. And this wouldn’t have been possible without Liz’s determination and commitment.
In honor of this remarkable woman, arts advocate and Levitt legend, we urge you to come enjoy Season 6 of the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series. With non-stop Fridays scheduled until August 23rd, you can find us from 6-9pm at River Island Art Park, bringing communities together through the power of live music.
Throughout my life I’ve loved music and recognized that free, live music in public spaces brings people together, creating joy and enriching our well-being.”
Liz Levitt Hirsch
See below for the remainder of this summer’s 6th Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series lineup!
July 26
Black Opry (Country)
WXPN’s Black Opry Residency is about to shake up the Country scene like never before! Celebrating the rich heritage of Black Americana musicians, this groundbreaking residency is reclaiming their rightful place in the American musical canon. From country to blues, folk to gospel, Black Opry is the home for Black artists, fans, and industry professionals making waves in the roots music scene. Get ready to witness the true diversity and depth of Americana music with Black Opry leading the charge!
August 2
CJ Chenier (Zydeco & Blues)
Get ready to party Cajun-style with CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band! Born and raised in the heart of Creole country, CJ delivers soulful vocals, masterful accordion-driven Zydeco and Blues like no other. With a Grammy-nominated pedigree and a stage presence that’s larger than life, CJ has shared the spotlight with legends like his father, Clifton Chenier, (“The King of Zydeco”) Paul Simon, and Ray Parker Jr. From backyard barbecues to international festivals, CJ Chenier brings the deep roots and irresistible rhythms of Americana music to audiences around the world!
August 9
Plena Libre (Dance)
Get ready to move and groove with Plena Libre, the masters of Afro-Caribbean dance music! For nearly three decades, this trailblazing band has been thrilling audiences around the globe with their infectious blend of Plena, Bomba, jazz, and more. With four Grammy nominations under their belt and a reputation for electrifying performances, Plena Libre is the ultimate party-starter. From mesmerizing hand drumming to raucous horns and soaring vocal harmonies, they’ll have you dancing all night long to their scintillating beats!
August 16
Phillip-Michael Scales (Blues)
Get ready for a musical journey with Phillip-Michael Scales, where indie rock storytelling meets the soulful passion of the blues! Growing up with the legendary B.B. King as a close family friend calling Phillip-Michael “nephew,S Phillip-Michael carries on the family tradition with his own unique sound and style. From dive bars to international festivals, his music resonates with audiences around the world, blending indie rock grit with the heartfelt emotion of the blues. With a knack for captivating storytelling and a stage presence that commands attention, Phillip-Michael Scales is a force to be reckoned with in the world of indie rock and blues!
August 23
Patty PerShayla & the Mayhaps (Rock)
Rock out with Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps! This powerhouse trio is about to take you on a wild ride with their riff-driven rock anthems and punky blues grit. Hailing from Grand Rapids to Nashville, Patty & the Mayhaps are no strangers to the stage, with an EP that’s already making waves in the industry. With a big attitude and even bigger sound, Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps are here to shake up the music scene one stage at a time, so get ready to join the party and let loose!
Since 2018, the free, family-friendly, 10-week music series has transformed River Island Art Park into a cultural hub of entertainment on Friday evenings. With goals of amplifying community pride, enriching lives through the power of free, live music, and creating vibrant public places, the work we do fosters tourism, enhances the resident experience, and is a point of pride for the City.
Over the last few years, the Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series has become the place to be on Friday nights. Residents have personally told me that they consider it to be the best arts event they attend all summer!”
NWBRV Director Meg Rego
