The "NEW" Levitt Pavilion at MacArthur Park

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Inaugural Concert

Los Angeles - Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Councilmember Ed P. Reyes and the Department of Recreation and Parks were proud to reopen the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts at MacArthur Park on August 8, 2007. The ceremony also launched a series of 30 free summer concerts at the restored pavilion.

The $1.7 million project is a joint effort of the Department, The Friends of the Levitt Pavilion-MacArthur Park and the Mortimer Levitt Foundation.

Major improvements include restoration of the architectural style from 1957 and installation of a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The park was landscaped by the Department to create an amphitheater setting. According to Councilmember Reyes, the band shell and adjacent park area have been upgraded to present free concerts under the stars.

"Our goal was to provide the community with quality entertainment at a deteriorating band shell that had been vacant since 2001," Reyes said. "Fortunately, we found a partnership in Levitt, who came through with flying colors to provide [free] top-notch entertainment for all the community to enjoy."

The concert season will run through September 16; there will be 90-minute shows Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with each night having its own theme -world music, dance rhythms, musica Latina and American roots. Children's nights will be Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and will feature entertainment for kids.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jane Kolb: (213)928-9294, or cell, (323)816-6712

Harvey Drut: (213)928-9296, or cell, (323)816-6711