LEVITT AMP
FORT SMITH MUSIC SERIES 2023
JOIN US FOR 10 WEEKS OF FREE MUSIC ON THE RIVERFRONT IN DOWNTOWN FORT SMITH
Brought to you in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. a national funder of creative placemaking that empowers communities to inject new life into underused public spaces.
Thursdays May 11 to June 8th and
Saturdays September 2 to 30th
121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Bring your chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and pets!
Check out seat maps and free parking:
2023 CONCERTS
BROTHER MAVEN
MAY 11
Brother Maven is an original three-piece American Rock/Soul band composed of Daniel Swartz (lead vocals), JP Presley (guitar and vocals) and Joel Burns (drums). The band draws from sounds of the 70's and 80's like the Eagles, The Doobie Brothers and Michael Jackson. In 2021, Brother Maven released their first album entitled Twenty Twenty-ONE and are currently in the studio recording their sophomore record. When not in the studio, Brother Maven stays busy performing live at a variety of Nashville's finest including Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, Wildhorse Saloon and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red. With opening act Ava Earnhart.
NICKY PARRISH & KEMISTRI BAND
MAY 18
Is one of the inimitable musical talents of this time with a centric approach to the expression of their music. Articulating the emotions that individuals feel, their style of music is captivated by a vast audience of R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Neo Soul, Country, Blues, Hip – Hop, Reggae, and Salsa: genres of music that can touch the heart and soul of all mankind. Nicky Parrish & Kemistri is committed to being a vessel in the body of life that naturally flows and feeds all music to all people. With opening act Escape Tones
BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION
MAY 25
Known for a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock, and hip-hop, nothing short of seismic live “experiences,” and a whole lot of Southern charm, Big Sam’s Funky Nation might very well be The Big Easy’s best kept secret.
No other place could birth such an undeniable, unpredictable, and downright unique collective. With opening act Miss K's Dance Bungalow featuring Mystique.
DUO DIVINAS
JUNE 1
Duo Divinas are Latin artists, Arkansas-based and singer-songwriters in the Bachata genre and other cultural fusions. Duo Divinas is best known for its community support and energetic live shows with magical harmonies. Their music draws influence from artists like ABBA, Pandora, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, and Selena. In a world of over-sexualized leading ladies, Duo Divinas are a role model for youth, preaching individuality, self-love, and inner connection. With opening act Mar Loroña.
SAVING ESCAPE
JUNE 8
Saving Escape started as a basement project in 2014. The band, who at the time were mutual friends and students of the O’Keefe Music Foundation, decided to take their lessons one step further. Beginning with cover songs, SE started honing their craft. After a few years, their desire to be identified as an original band grew. Writing their own music became an undying passion, drawing inspiration from some of the most prominent rock bands in history. Their sound is a mix of bluesy riffs, thunderous bass and drums, and penetrating vocals. In 2019, the band released Old Soul, their first EP, produced by Joe Viers, Sonic Lounge Studios and mastered by Brian Lucey, Magic Garden Mastering. With opening act All of Her.
TERRANCE SIMIEN AND THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE
SEPTEMBER 2 LABOR DAY WEEKEND
For over 40 years, two-time GRAMMY award winning, 8th generation Louisiana Creole, Terrance Simien, has been shattering the myths and often misinformation, about what his traditional Zydeco roots music is – and is not. It most certainly is American roots music and it is music born of the black and mixed race French speaking Creoles of South Louisiana. It’s exhilarating and as complex and diverse as the Creoles. It’s also more than just one rhythm and one tempo. Sure it’s about dancing; “less dancing please”, said no-one ever! But, it’s also about grooving in place and dancing freely. With opening act Don Bailey Eclectic Party Band.
DJARIN
SEPTEMBER 9
Darin Jamal Tom is a Queer Native American Fashion Designer & Vocalist from Gallup, New Mexico. His music and his fashion attain that of deep emotion and chili aloofness. Through his first album (Whiskey Sessions-Unrehearsed-Take One) we had a glimpse into what
heartbreak meant to Jamal and how it spawned a love for music. Now in this new realm Jamal has broadened his music with flavor and smooth tones ready for consumption. With opening act Escape Tones.
BRANJAE
SEPTEMBER 16
Branjae is the birth child of Classic Soul, Funk and R&B. With a culmination of lyrical depths, energetic theatrical performances and genre fluidity, her storytelling style comes as unique as the personas she embodies. Branjae’s fearless and energetic showcase, encourages elevated consciousness by connecting with her audiences for the soul purpose of creating unity and harmony.
VOLTAJE
SEPTEMBER 23
Voltaje is a Hispanic rock band that has been making music for over four years. Their sound is a unique blend of rock and traditional Latin rhythms, making them a favorite among fans of the genre. The band's energetic live shows are a must-see for anyone who loves rock music with a Latin twist. With opening act Fuego Cruzado.
DYER DAVIS
SEPTEMBER 30
Dyer Davis is an American singer and guitarist. He spent the last 8 years of his life as a rock artist with the band Rubber Soul Child. He released his debut solo album in February to great acclaim. His music is inspired by blues based rockers like Jeff Beck, which instilled in him the importance of the blues as the key foundation of the music he was drawn to. With opening act Chris & Lolly.
The Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a private foundation that partners with towns and cities across America to activate underused public spaces, creating thriving destinations where people of all ages and backgrounds come together through the power of free, live music.
