Before RISE became a recognized name in Chattanooga’s arts community, it was an ambitious initiative known as Jazzanooga—a one-day jazz festival in 2011 aimed at honoring the city’s deep-rooted artistic culture and musical heritage. Jazzanooga grew into a full-fledged nonprofit that championed cultural equity in the arts and community development ensuring that our community had spaces to thrive.

As RISE Chattanooga evolved, so did its mission. It wasn’t just about celebrating music but also about removing barriers—barriers of race, income, and access.

 

The question was: How could live music be made accessible to all, not just those who could afford ticketed events?

 

Enter the Levitt Foundation, an organization committed to transforming neglected public spaces into vibrant music hubs. The foundation’s national Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards provided funding for free outdoor concerts, and Chattanooga was an ideal candidate.

 

Securing the Grant – A Groundbreaking Moment
In 2017, RISE Chattanooga took a bold step and applied for the Levitt AMP Grant, a competitive nationwide initiative that supports under-resourced communities in hosting free live music series. It was a historic moment when RISE became the first Black-led organization in the U.S. to receive national funding from the Levitt Foundation.

Winning the grant wasn’t just about funding—it was about recognition, validation, and an opportunity to redefine who gets to enjoy high-quality live music. With this support, the Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series was born.

 

Bringing Music to the People
The Levitt AMP Chattanooga series launched with an electrifying lineup of diverse artists spanning jazz, soul, hip-hop, Latin, and folk. The concerts were free, family-friendly, and intentionally placed in historically underserved neighborhoods—places where live music hadn’t been a priority before.

The Greater Chattanooga community responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. Families gathered on blankets under the stars, local vendors flourished, and independent musicians—many from communities of color—finally had a platform to shine on a professional stage.

This wasn’t just about concerts; it was about civic pride, economic opportunity, and representation.

 

Impact & Expansion
The success of the Levitt AMP series didn’t just bring music—it sparked a movement. Attendance grew, and partnerships with local businesses, city government, and artists expanded. The city saw how free, high-quality live music could unite people from all backgrounds.

 

The Future – Continuing the Legacy
With the foundation of the Levitt partnership solidified, RISE Chattanooga continues to reimagine what live music can be. Whether expanding into new neighborhoods, bringing emerging Black and Brown musicians to center stage, or using storytelling to deepen audience engagement, RISE is ensuring that the Levitt legacy in Chattanooga isn’t just about concerts—it’s about community transformation.

What started as a single grant evolved into a model for inclusive, community-driven music programming. And through it all, the partnership between RISE Chattanooga and the Levitt Foundation stands as a testament to the power of music, equity, and collective joy.

 

Epilogue: More Than Just Music
The Levitt Foundation’s investment in Chattanooga wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about belonging. It was about proving that when organizations center local voices, champion diversity, and remove financial barriers, music becomes more than a performance. It becomes a revolution.

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