Downtown Arlington and Levitt Pavilion take Center Stage June 9-11

For many in and around North Texas, the Levitt Pavilion summer concert season is a favorite time of year, and the Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival is the icing on an already delicious cake. This summer is no exception.

“I can talk forever about this season. It’s a great line-up!” said Patti Diou, Executive Director of the Friends of the Levitt Pavilion-Arlington. “For me, I’m especially looking forward to The Unlikely Candidates, Uncle Lucius, Sarah Jaffe, La Tropa F, and all of the bands we’ve booked for the Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival.”

Since its inception in 2012, the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC) has been presenting sponsor of the Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival.

“Center Stage is the perfect example of synergies fostered within a community,” said Tony Rutigliano, President and CEO of DAMC. “Thanks to the Levitt board, staff and volunteers and our Downtown partners, the festival has grown from a single-venue event to a district-wide tradition.”

“We’ve partnered with several of the local restaurants in town that offer live music before and/or after our concerts,” said Diou. “We hope to grow the festival further after the construction is completed on Abram Street.”

Grammy award-winner Reckless Kelly, classic pop-rock group Orleans and the incredibly talented Black Violin all headline this year’s Center Stage. Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and we’ll see you there:

Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival

Friday, June 9

7:00 p.m.              Bri Bagwell

Earthy Texas country music with a little sass

8:30 p.m.              Reckless Kelly

Grammy-winning country vibe with a solid rock edge

Saturday, June 10

7:00 p.m.              The Gibbones

A unique blend of Southern soul, Americana and R&B

8:30 p.m.              Orleans

1970s pop/rock that’s “Still the One”

Sunday, June 11

7:00 p.m.              Dylan Chambers

Soulful sounds from a hometown star

8:30 p.m.              Black Violin

Ground-breaking meld of classical strings with heart-pounding hip-hop

Placemaking since 2008

When you think about it, the numbers are mind-blowing. Since its founding in 2008, the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington has presented nearly 500 musical performances from every conceivable genre. To name-drop a few, Levitt audiences have been treated to concerts by Maren Morris, Asleep at the Wheel, The Doobie Brothers, Pentatonix, The Polyphonic Spree, Brave Combo, Grupo Fantasma and The B-52s. And with the exception of a handful of ticketed shows, every single performance has been free and open to the public.

Jim Palmer, chairman of the Friends of the Levitt board, has no doubt that the glow of the Levitt Pavilion’s success has been illuminating all of Downtown Arlington. “The Levitt Pavilion is the cornerstone that makes Downtown the happening place on weekends,” Palmer said.

Keep the music playing

In addition to the Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival and the regular season line-up of musical talent, the Levitt is hosting two ticketed events in 2017. Proceeds from these events help support the Levitt’s mission of providing a minimum of 50 free concerts every year.

This year’s fall fundraising event will be headlined by the iconic rock band Kansas, known for such classics as Carry On My Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind. Opening for Kansas is Starship, identified with chart-toppers including Jane, We Built This City and Find Your Way Back. Tickets for the September 23 event are available now.

For the first time, the Levitt is also offering a ticketed event during the summer, and it’s sure to get your toes tapping. Consummate singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen created a grassroots following with instant classics like The Road Goes On Forever, Corpus Christi Bay and Whenever Kindness Fails. While VIP tickets are sold out, general admission tickets are still available for the June 23 show featuring Robert Earl Keen with Corry Morrow.

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About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.