Fort Smith's Downtown Comes Alive with Diverse Sounds: Levitt AMP Music Series Revitalizes the City

The Levitt AMP fall music series in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is more than just a collection of live performances. It's a strategic initiative by Main Street Fort Smith to reinvigorate the city's downtown area through the power of arts and culture. This free concert series features a diverse lineup of musical acts, from soul and Tejano to Cajun rock and country, aimed at bringing people together for a shared experience and driving economic vibrancy in the heart of the city.

Unleashing the Rhythm and Soul of Fort Smith's Downtown Revival

Kicking Off with Soulful Sensation Nadjah Nicole

The Levitt AMP fall music series kicked off on August 30th with a captivating performance by soul singer Nadjah Nicole. Nicole, who has had a lifelong passion for music instilled by her parents, captivated the audience with her emotional depth and connection. "I open myself up to feel what others are feeling and allow all of us to be a part of an experience," Nicole explains, embracing the opportunity to perform at a community-centered event like the Levitt AMP series. Her diverse musical heritage, encompassing gospel, rap, hip-hop, soul, and R&B, shines through in her distinctive sound, making her an ideal artist to launch this revitalizing initiative.

Electrifying the Stage with Louisiana Native Eric Johanson

Following Nadjah Nicole's soulful debut, the Levitt AMP series welcomed Eric Johanson, a Louisiana-born artist who blends roadhouse roots rock and dark, bluesy Americana. Johanson, excited to electrify the audience, approaches his live performances as the primary art form, with the studio recordings serving as the "first version" of a song. "The songs often take on a new dimension," he says, as he and his trio band engage in improvisation and feed off the energy of the moment. Johanson's unwavering confidence in playing his original compositions for the crowd further reinforces the series' mission to introduce the community to new musical experiences.

Reinvigorating Downtown with a Diverse Musical Lineup

The Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series is more than just a collection of concerts; it's a strategic initiative by Main Street Fort Smith to revitalize the city's downtown through the power of arts and culture. Executive Director Amanda Hager emphasizes the holistic approach, stating, "You can't just do one thing. You have to take a really holistic approach to it." This philosophy has guided Main Street Fort Smith's efforts, which include the production of 33 murals across the downtown area under the Unexpected Project, as well as the organization's accreditation as a Main Street America organization in 2020.The Levitt AMP series is designed to bring a diverse range of musical genres to Riverfront Park, a public space that Main Street Fort Smith has worked closely with to enhance its attractiveness. From soul and Tejano to Cajun rock and country, the lineup caters to a wide range of musical tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone while also introducing the community to new and unfamiliar artists.

Fostering Community Engagement and Economic Vibrancy

The Levitt AMP Music Series is more than just a collection of live performances; it's a strategic initiative to drive economic liveliness through arts and culture in Fort Smith's downtown area. By bringing urban and contemporary art to the city, Main Street Fort Smith has already seen a tremendous impact, with the Unexpected Project's 33 murals serving as a testament to the power of visual arts in revitalizing the downtown landscape.However, Hager emphasizes that art alone is not enough to revitalize a downtown region. "You can't just do one thing. You have to take a really holistic approach to it." This mindset has led Main Street Fort Smith to seek and earn accreditation as a Main Street America organization, aligning the city's efforts with a national initiative to protect and revive downtown areas.The Levitt AMP series exemplifies this comprehensive approach, as it aims to bring people together for a shared experience while also promoting economic activity in the downtown area. By showcasing a diverse lineup of musical acts, the series not only entertains the community but also serves as a catalyst for increased foot traffic, patronage of local businesses, and an overall sense of vibrancy in the heart of Fort Smith.