Funders Arts

Arlington Tomorrow Foundation awards grant to support local musicians

Funds help provide paid performance opportunities for local musicians as part of free music series.

Share the Stage, a Levitt Pavilion initiative supporting North Texas musicians, has been awarded a $50,000 grant.

Arlington Tomorrow Foundation awarded the funds to support a second concert season of Share the Stage, which provides paid gigs and exposure for local artists in the wake of the pandemic. Share the Stage seeks to showcase both emerging and established North Texas musicians, primarily through bookings as opening acts for the Levitt’s signature free concert series, which runs May-October.

Share the Stage has reportedly paid more than 100 local artists contracts to date for North Texas singer-songwriters and bands, many of which are emerging music artists, women, and artists of color.

“As a member of the North Texas arts community, we feel strongly about the need to create paid performance opportunities for local musicians,” said Letatia Teykl, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion. “We created this initiative to give access to the Levitt stage, to our in-person and livestreaming fans, and our professional production crew. It’s a really cool giveback to the North Texas music industry ecosystem.”

Levitt Pavilion Arlington presents more than 50 free, high production value outdoor concerts and events each year with a diverse calendar of professional musical artists representing an array of genres.  Ticketed concerts and other special events are also produced by the Levitt Pavilion Arlington. The Levitt plays a significant role in Downtown Arlington’s designation as a Cultural District by the State of Texas and the recent designation as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office.

Its Share the Stage initiative has resulted in multiple benefits, according to Teykl.

“We know that Share The Stage benefits the Levitt’s economic picture as well, by helping us attract prospective new supporters who are fans of new-to-us artists, and by attracting the support of funding partners like the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation,” said Teykl.

The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is a public charity serving Arlington exclusively. The foundation’s mission is to contribute to a thriving Arlington by focusing on people and neighborhoods, nature and animals, and programs which enhance the lifestyle and culture of the city.

“Our underwriting of the Share the Stage program helps ensure local artists have an opportunity to showcase their talents, inspire, and entertain us all,” said Carolyn Mentesana, Executive Director of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.

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Mindia Whittier