A Night of Blues and Connection: Levitt Pavilion Brings Music to Emerge
“There is something magical that happens through live music. As dozens of guys from all walks of life, gathered under the pavilion on October 26 and the music started, there was an indescribable connection. Our partnership with the Levitt team has brought a lot of joy to our residents.” Elaine Bonner, Director of Philanthropy
Levitt Dayton is committed to building community through the power of music, one free concert at a time. They strive to be a strong partner in the community through education outreach with artists, music camp for youth, and outreach through pop-up concerts. To build community off the lawn, Levitt Connect Community Program was conceived with the goal to meet people where they are to build bridges and relationships through the power of free live music. On October 26, the Levitt Pavilion brought the gift of live music to the Emerge campus by accomplished local blues musician Joe Waters.
On January 20, 2024, Joe won the solo/duo category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He’s only 26 years old, but he’s been building to this moment for decades.
Waters made his stage debut at the age of 5 at the Trolley Stop in Dayton playing harmonica alongside his guitar-playing father, Jack. He was 10 and releasing his second album. This was Waters’ fourth time in the global competition, and he was ready to go. This isn’t the first major prize for Waters, who won the 2022Telluride Blues Challenge in Colorado.
“Winning at Telluride helped a lot,” he said. “Whenever you put that on an application, people are happy to see it. I’ve already got lot of nice opportunities from winning in Memphis. There were a lot of people there. There was something like 500 different blues societies from across the world there, so I got to play in front of a lot of people. After I won, I got invited to play different festivals.
A sweet surprise ending to an already perfect evening came at the end of the concert., as Joe offered some encouraging words for our residents, then asked if anyone wanted his guitar! He signed it, there were hugs, and he told the guys to share the power of music with each other. What a SPECIAL gift that is a great reminder for all of us. “Do small things with great love.” Thank you again Levitt Pavilion Dayton for bringing joy and the healing power of music to Emerge! This is a night that many will never forget.
Plan your musical experience next year at the Levitt! Pavilion Concerts | Levitt Pavilion Dayton
