Stormy weather couldn’t keep Shelbyville from celebrating the 250th birthday of the nation. Although the burial of the much-anticipated 2076 time capsule on the grounds of the historic Bedford County Courthouse was postponed from July 3 to July 31, the scheduled Stars & Stripes and Shelbyville Nights events moved indoors to The Fly Arts Center. The event kicked off the Levitt AMP Music Series, which includes eight free concerts thanks to a three-year, $90,000 grant. Local artists Mike Corrado, James Rogers, and DJ Sovereign performed on July 3. Every Friday night in July, the corner of Spring Street and McGrew Street rang with music. Performers included DJ Giovanni, Reed Waddle, Taylor Tuke, Amber Woodhouse, and Chaz Mazzota.
The Levitt AMP Foundation began in 1966 with the purpose of Amplifying community pride, enriching lives through Music, and activating underused public Places. Shelbyville was one of six cities across Tennessee awarded this grant following a highly competitive application process. This event was also made possible by Bridge Bedford, The Fly Arts Center, and Cooper Steel.
“The Levitt AMP Music Series is more than a concert — it’s an invitation,” Aaron White, community strategist for Bridge Bedford, said. “An invitation for neighbors to become friends, for families to create lasting memories, and for our community to gather under one sky to celebrate the music, creativity, and civic pride that make Bedford County such a special place to call home.”
“The Levitt AMP Music Series is more than a concert — it’s an invitation,” Aaron White, community strategist for Bridge Bedford, said. “An invitation for neighbors to become friends, for families to create lasting memories, and for our community to gather under one sky to celebrate the music, creativity, and civic pride that make Bedford County such a special place to call home.”
Jody Barnes, executive director of the Fly Arts Center, said, “The Fly Arts Center was proud to host Shelbyville’s first Levitt AMP Music Series and to join five other Tennessee communities in using free music to strengthen quality of life and celebrate the arts.”
You’ll want to bring your lawn chair and a picnic, along with your friends and family, as this free concert series ramps up again this month. GN
