Third Annual Texas Sounds and Cities Conference
Excerpt of Press Release via Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott
This press release can be viewed in its entirety here
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Music Office announced that the Sounds & Cities Conference will be held Thursday, September 9 and Friday, September 10 in Arlington Texas. Co-hosted by the Texas Music Office, Levitt Pavilion Arlington, and the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, the two-day music conference will include panel discussions on Texas music scene development and conversations about potential statewide collaboration between the certified communities, as well as spotlight economic development best practices that lead to increased music tourism, job creation, and music scene cohesion.
“Music is a big part of the Texas brand,” said Governor Abbott. “A vibrant music industry in communities across Texas not only adds to the quality of lice, it is a competitive advantage, helping the Lone Star State to attract major capital investments, culturally diverse talent, and new jobs across industries. I thank the Texas Music Office and our Music Friendly Communities for sharing their knowledge and joining the conversation on continued economic expansion strategies for local music businesses, musicians, venues, and the music industry across the state.”
“The Levitt Pavilion Arlington is proud to support the efforts of the Texas Music Office in spreading the word through the Music Friendly Community certification program,” said Letatia Teykl, Executive Director, Levitt Pavilion Arlington. “The Arlington Music Friendly Community is excited about the possibilities!”
Third Annual Texas Sounds & Cities Conference
September 9-10, 2021
Globe Life Field, Arlington
Governor Abbot Announces Arlington Designated As Music Friendly Community
Excerpt of Press Release via Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott
This press release can be viewed in its entirety here
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Arlington, having completed the multi-step certification process, has been designated as a Music Friendly Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO). The Music Friendly Community program seeks to foster music business economic development in Texas cities and communities. TMO Community Relations & Outreach Specialist Chip Adams will present the Music Friendly Community designation to Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams on Friday, December 18, 2020, at 12:30 PM during a virtual certification ceremony in partnership with Levitt Pavilion Arlington, the City of Arlington, and the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“With support form the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry created more than 209,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs in communities all across the Lone Star State last year and generated $23.4 billion in economic activity,” said Governor Abbott. “As our economy rebounds from the COVID downturn, Texas is committed to working alongside our communities to ensure they have the tools needed to succeed. Music Friendly Communities certified by the Texas Music Office are serious about attracting and developing local music industry growth, and I am proud of all that the Texas Music Office has accomplished in helping communities like Arlington grow their local economy.”
Arlington is the 20th Texas city to receive the official Music Friendly Community designation. Other cities include Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Denton, Lindale, Stephenville, Conroe, San Angelo, Nacogdoches, Abilene, McKinney, Waxahachie, Waco, Alpine, Bastrop, New Braunfels, Victoria, Lubbock and Denison. Cities that are currently working through the certification process include: Houston, Dallas, Dripping Springs, Brenham, and El Paso.
Introducing the new Levitt Center
Levitt Pavilion Arlington’s new Levitt Center will help make Downtown Arlington a prime destination
After a year when there was change around every corner, an exciting new change has happened in Downtown Arlington at the Levitt Pavilion.
In 2017, just before Texas country music singer/songwriter Jack Ingram took the stage for an October concert at the Levitt, Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Hospital CEO Alan Beck presented a check to the Levitt Pavilion for $500,000. Baylor’s check was matched by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation with the goal to build something the Levitt had needed since it opened 12 years ago — permanent restrooms.
With $1 million in the bank, the Levitt Pavilion’s board of directors and staff began 2018 with a capital campaign to make the facility’s restrooms a reality. In looking at the possibilities and thinking about the future, a hospitality suite was added above the restrooms. The Levitt concluded its 2018 concert season with a ceremonial ground-breaking for the project, and construction began the day after the 2019 summer concert season ended.
Levitt Pavilion Arlington is proud to introduce the new Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Levitt Center. The $3.4 million project includes:
- The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Hospitality Suite
- Catering kitchen
- High-tech A/V system
- Concert-viewing deck
- Women’s and men’s accessible restrooms
- Family restroom
“The architectural design and versatility of the new hospitality suite makes the project a true show-stopper,” said Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington. “It can be configured for a business meeting, workshop, wedding reception, cocktail party – you name it! We are ready to activate the lawn and facilities on a year-round basis.”
During Levitt concerts, sponsors will have priority in using the suite for hosting their own private events. During a concert, if the suite isn’t being used, it can be rented by anyone for a private party. When it isn’t concert season, the hospitality suite is available for rent by itself or as a package with the Levitt stage for fundraisers, festivals and events, increasing how the Levitt is used year-round.
“We are so excited about the possibilities that the new Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic and Spine Levitt Center will bring!” said Josh Hankins, Levitt Pavilion Arlington’s board chair. “We feel that it’s going to be a key element to add to the sustainability of our concert series, as well as our mission to build community in Arlington. The center will allow us to host additional sponsors during the concert seasons, but most exciting is that it will allow us to better utilize the facilities and lawn year-round.”
The hospitality center was designed by architects Ibanez Shaw with construction by J. Hutcherson Construction. Bart Shaw, architect, said the most challenging aspect was how to maximize the space and provide a facility that would be a showcase and enhance the vibrancy of downtown Arlington.
“The idea of putting a hospitality suite on top of a restroom building was tricky,” he added. “We needed to maximize the space on that corner and yet meet all the needs of the facility. What separates this project from others is the type of project – putting a finished space on top of a park restroom.”
Shaw designed the Levitt Center to enhance the look and feel of the Levitt stage and add to what he calls “the energy and drama” of the lawn. During concerts, that translates into taking a concert night and adding spectacular ambiance for listening to live music or hosting an event. It gives businesses and organizations a new option for meetings, retreats, workshops and receptions. Coupled with the new restrooms, it adds to the Levitt’s appeal as the site for fun runs and 5Ks, fund-raisers, events, and festivals.
“The Levitt Pavilion has been a destination for many Arlington and surrounding area residents and visitors. We all have great memories of our favorite concerts there,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “The new Levitt Center will only enhance the Levitt Pavilion and the city’s state-designated Cultural Arts District, making Downtown Arlington even more appealing to those organizing festivals and events.”
“We cannot wait for everyone to see all that the Levitt Center has to offer,” added Teykl. “We’re proud of the new addition to the Levitt Pavilion and the potential that comes with a facility of this caliber in the Downtown Arlington Cultural Arts District.”