Help Bring Free Live Music to Smith Park: Vote for Jackson's Levitt Foundation Bid
Jackson, Mississippi—the birthplace of Southern Soul—has the chance to secure a transformational music grant that could bring three years of free outdoor concerts to downtown's Smith Park.
Downtown Jackson Partners is among 100 finalists nationwide competing for the prestigious Levitt Foundation grant, and community voting runs through September 15th.
A Perfect Match for the City With Soul
The $120,000 grant, spread over three years and requiring a local match totaling $240,000, would establish a free outdoor music series perfectly aligned with Jackson's musical heritage. As Liz Brister from Downtown Jackson Partners explains, "The Levitt Foundation grant is perfect for that because it has to be free and open to the public. It has to be outside. It has to be open. They don't want seating. They want people to be able to come and throw a blanket on the ground or bring a chair."
This accessible approach reflects Jackson's welcoming spirit and commitment to bringing people together through music. "There's nothing better than having live music in downtown and hearing it resonate, bounce off the buildings and people out walking around," Brister notes. "It brings that vibrant to your city that we often travel and go out of town to experience. We're trying to give people that experience here in Jackson."
Building Jackson's Music Economy
Beyond entertainment, the grant would significantly impact local musicians and Jackson's growing reputation as a musical destination. "This music helps build our music economy too. It helps sustain the musicians that are already here, but it also helps build and grow our reputation as a musical hub," Brister emphasizes.
How to Vote for Jackson
Voting Period: September 5-15, 2025
Two Ways to Vote:
Online: Visit the Levitt Foundation website and select Jackson
Text: Send the keyword JACKSON to 1-877-409-5525
You can vote for up to five different proposals, but only once per proposal. Make sure you receive a confirmation—no confirmation means no vote!
"Jackson is the only finalist in the whole state of Mississippi. We're it. So you're not rooting or voting against anybody else if you vote for us, you're voting for Mississippi," Brister said.
Help Jackson finish in the top 10 and bring the soul of live music to Smith Park for years to come.
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Downtown Green Space + Amphitheater
302 Amite Street
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(601) 960-0471
Website
Smith Park302 Amite Street
Jackson, Mississippi