The Levitt Galaxy is Expanding
The Levitt Galaxy is Expanding
By: Timothy Boe
Dusk settles in at the end of a warm Summer’s day and as a canopy of stars begins to dot the sky above…two more new stars twinkle back brightly from the Earth below. The vision of Mortimer Levitt to provide ”Free Music Under the Stars” continues to unfold with the opening of the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington, TX and the Levitt Shell in Memphis, TN. Levitt always had a passion for outdoor music “under the stars”…to him it was pure magic. Mortimer’s desire was that others might also share in that thrill. This desire inspired him to sell the company he had owned for 60 years on his 90th birthday, therefore endowing his foundation so that it could build Levitt Pavilions around the country.
I doubt that Mortimer Levitt was aware at the time that he was engaged in what might be considered a “green” practice. He just knew that listening to music with friends and neighbors in a park-like setting under the stars had always brought him a great sense of joy and it felt natural for him to want to share it with others. So natural in fact, that Levitt designed a high school course called “From Rock to Bach,” which has been taught at Lawrence Long Island High School for several years. He also helped fund a marching band at the same school, which goes to Disney World In Florida to perform every year.
An avid benefactor in a wide range of the arts for much of his life, his special affinity for the outdoor shared music experience probably sprouted roots when as a 12-year-old Mortimer would visit his father at work on Coney Island. While attending the nearby Luna Park in the evenings he could hear the music emanating from the rides and restaurants. He was enchanted by these early experiences and carried these impressions with him his entire life.
It was on July 12, 2005 at the age of 98 that Mortimer Levitt passed away from this Earth, but not before deeply planting his gift of shared music so that it would continue to grow and flourish after his departure. Today that same gift is tended by the loving hands of his wife Annemarie Levitt and daughter Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch. They, working in conjunction with a committed and enthusiastic team comprising the Mortimer Levitt Foundation, continue to gracefully enact the vision that has been entrusted into their care.
Elvis was in the House!!!
Built in the City of Memphis, TN in 1936 by the depression-era WPA, the Memphis Shell in Overton Park was the venue for many memorable orchestra performances, light opera, and musicals. Perhaps the most significant evening however was on July 30, 1954 when a young Elvis Presley took the stage before the headliner Slim Whitman. Elvis went on to steal the show in what music historians refer to as the first ever Rock and Roll Show. Elvis later went on to…well…you know!
The Overton Park Shell went into a decline over time and languished until the Levitt Foundation came along to breath the life back into it. Fully restored, improved and poised to once again provide a place for families and friends of all ages to meet and experience 50 nights of free music every year, The Levitt Shell as it is now called is set to have it’s ribbon cut at a gala event on Friday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. If you happen to be anywhere near Memphis…you now know there’s only one place to be!
Music by “Big D”
The City of Arlington, TX., near Dallas is the location of the new “state of the art” sporting complex that will be home to the world famous Dallas Cowboys Football team. Prestigious as that may be…it is also now home to the soon to be world famous Levitt Pavilion! Built in Founder’s Park…the entertainment focal point for the City of Arlington…even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his wife Gene came by to drop off a check for $85,000 to help the Levitt Pavilion get up and off the ground. And up it is…the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington held it’s Grand Opening on September 26 and will be providing 50 nights of free music “under the stars” for the pleasure of friends and families alike.
In keeping with the Levitt tradition, each night will provide a different genre of music. Located right across the street from City Hall, the Levitt enjoys the dynamic of pedestrian friendly access, immediate access to public transportation and the prospect for public assembly. As contributors to the goal of greening our down-towns, all the Levitt Pavilions are a “model citizens.” By providing entertainment hubs conveniently located and open to the public at no charge, Levitt represents a lofty and very green goal attained.
Other Levitt Pavilions already established and featuring entertainment per their Summer schedules are… Pasadena, CA…Westport, CT…MacAurthur Park in Los Angeles…and soon to be, Long Beach, CA.
As these venues represent but a partial expression of the Levitt vision…other communities are also being considered and may qualify to become home to future Levitt Pavilions. The following links will take you to the appropriate web sites that will provide you with all the information you will need to have your community looked at with the prospect of creating another star in the growing galaxy of Levitt endowed entertainment opportunities.
History of The Mortimer Levitt Foundation
Levitt Pavilion Development Guidelines
Schedule of events:
Levitt Pavilion – MacArthur Park – Los Angeles, CA
Levitt Pavilion – Pasadena, CA
