Free, family-friendly concerts are returning to downtown Springfield this summer.
The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will kick off its seventh season May 28, according to a community announcement from the Springfield Area Arts Council, which is organizing the series this year. The concerts will take place every Thursday through July 30.
The 10-week series, presented by PNC Bank, will feature a diverse lineup of performers from across the world. Entertainment will begin at 6:15 p.m. each Thursday in the vacant block north of the Illinois Governor's Mansion at Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue.
Each evening will include a Kids' Kickoff at 6:15 p.m., an opening act at 6:45 p.m. and a headliner at 7:45 p.m., according to the announcement.
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Food, drinks and other activities available
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, and local restaurants will be open for takeout.
Here is this year's main performers:
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May 28: Chloe Kimes (Americana)
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June 4: Anita Michelle Jackson (Jazz)
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June 11: The Matchsellers (Bluegrass)
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June 18: The Psycodelics (Funk)
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June 25: Roben Moreno & The Zydeco Re-Evolution (Zydeco)
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July 2: Shawn Holt & The Teardrops (Blues)
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July 9: Lowdown Brass Band (Hip Hop/Reggage)
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July 16: Esso Funk (Afro-Caribbean)
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July 23: Carver Commodore (Alternative Rock)
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July 30: Doc Robinson (Indie Pop/Soul)
More information is available on the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series Facebook page atfacebook.com/LevittAMPSpringfield.
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The concert series is made possible through support from local sponsors, including a three-year matching grant from the Levitt Foundation and a presenting sponsorship from PNC Bank.
"PNC has proudly supported the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series since its inception because we've seen how free, high-quality arts programming can strengthen downtown Springfield and bring people together," Brian Ray, PNC regional president of central Illinois, said in the announcement. "This series reflects our long-standing commitment to the community by creating experiences that celebrate creativity, connectivity and local pride."
The series, which began in 2019, has seen significant growth in attendance. Last year, more than 16,700 people attended the concerts, a 116% increase from the first year, according to the announcement.
Production of the music series is also supported by the city of Springfield, Central Baptist Church, Downtown Springfield Inc. and Springfield Youth Performance Group, among others.
"Every season, our community shows up with heart, energy and a love for live music which transforms the Y Block into a place of creativity, community, connection and caring," Jay Shanle, program director for the series, said in the announcement. "We're excited for what this year will bring and grateful to be part of it."
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The Juneteenth Celebration Committee will co-host the June 18 concert as part of its week-long Juneteenth celebration that begins June 11.
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The Sangamon Mass Transit District will offer a bus as a cooling station at three concerts.
Those interested in volunteering at the concerts can contact levittamp@downtownspringfield.org.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more athttps://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register:Levitt AMP series: Full lineup announced for Springfield concerts
