Levitt Amp Trenton week 1 Derrick Hodge
On Thursday June 29th 2017 the latest version of
the Levitt Amp Trenton Concert Series kicked off in a new location and with a
new time.
The 10 FREE family friendly concerts are held every Thursday
from 5-8p in Mill Hill Park located in Historic Downtown Trenton NJ.
To lead this year’s events the TDA-Trenton
Downtown Association has contracted the talents of Joseph Kuzemka of The Rockhopper Creative
to coordinate the events.
Kuzemka is a Trenton native and Creative Director of the
Artworks Trenton 24 hour event Art
All Night as well as the Trenton
Punk Rock Flea Market.
“From
Grammy award-winning musicians to an international act from Mexico, we have an
amazing lineup in store that will also focus on the incredible, local talent
that is so active within the City of Trenton. Pairing that with shining a
spotlight on some of the most active arts and cultural groups the City of
Trenton has to offer is a perfect match and makes for an exciting Thursday
evening in the Capital City.”
In addition to talented musical offerings, many downtown
businesses will be open extended hours, local Artists will be on site painting
murals, and a local food vendor and food trucks will be on site as well.
Keeping with the Levitt Amp theme of community building,
each week a Trenton non-profit organization will be highlighted.
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“From My Perspective Levitt Amp Trenton week 1 Derrick Hodge”
by Jacque Pierre Howard
When I was asked to be the Host/Emcee of the 2017 version of
the Levitt Amp Trenton Outdoor Concert Series I knew the fit would be
perfect. As the Creator and Host of a
privately syndicated radio and TV program immediately I thought of how I could
impact the event by sharing my perspective with my audience.
The weather was perfect for an outdoor event such as the
Levitt Amp Trenton Concert Series. The
sun shined with a light breeze and the few clouds mingled nicely to make the
venue comfortable.
After connecting with my teammates and receiving instructions
it was time to go to work! In my role as
an Ambassador I aim to meet as many people as possible and to help set the
mood. My focus of “Building a Better
Community through Civic Engagement” fits into the Levitt Amp theme perfectly.
As I walked around welcoming the vendors and early arrivals
I noticed an obvious buzz, the musicians, attendees, vendors and staff were all
very excited!
The positioning of the stage fit nicely into the natural
amphitheater and provided great site lines, views of the manicured park as well
as multiple areas for the visitor’s to enjoy the event in comfort.
After taking the stage for some “housekeeping” announcements
I introduced Mayor Eric Jackson who welcomed the audience and local opening act
Downright Down.
Self described as a Blues, Funk, Soul band playing a
combination of covers and original music, Downright Down had the audience
smiling, singing along and dancing.
Between acts local non-profit organization Artworks Trenton came to the stage represented
by Board President Lehze Flax who shared a bit about “Trenton’s Visual Arts
Center” including Art All Night, Gallery Exhibits, Educational offerings and
more.
It was now time for headliner Derrick Hodge to take the stage. This Grammy Award-Winning Jazz Bass Virtuoso
from Willingboro NJ mentioned “This feeling like a homecoming” and jumped right
into a lively set of his compositions.
The ~500 people were encouraged to document the experience
via social media using the #musicmoves.
On Thursday July 6th we welcome Headliner Sotomayor from Mexico with opening act Agudos Clef
Opening act Agudos Clef is a Trenton-based Latin Hip Hop duo
and Headliner Sotomayor is billed as “Latin Electronic.”
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The Levitt AMP Trenton Music Series comes through a competitive
grant award from the private Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation designed to
help “communities to transform neglected public spaces into welcoming
destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and
invigorates community life.” The acronym “AMP” stands for Amplify Music Places.
Trenton was one of only 15 American cities to receive a 2017
$25,000 Levitt AMP Grant. The project is also supported by New Jersey
Manufacturers Insurance Group — which matched the grant — and the New Jersey
State Council on the Arts.
TDA Executive Director Tom Gilmour says the series provides
“opportunities for visitors to come back to the city.”
For more information on schedules, parking, and directions to
the park, visit www.levittamp.org/trenton.
Levitt Amp Concert Series Press Conference
