ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Downtown Association has announced that Asheville is in the running to win funding for 10 free, family-friendly concerts in Pritchard Park, the “drum circle” park in downtown Asheville.

The funding would come from a Levitt AMP Grant Award, a competitive matching grant program created by the Levitt Foundation. Levitt grants are designed to support community connection and local economies through the power of live music in underutilized public space.

“Across the country, Levitt AMP concert series have demonstrated how consistent, high-quality programming can transform public spaces into vibrant gathering places,” ADA wrote in a press release.

“With the Levitt AMP Grant, we have the opportunity to transform Pritchard Park into a lively hub of music, culture and connection,” said Hayden Plemmons, ACA executive director. “This series would uplift Asheville and the greater WNC region at a time when recovery, reconnection and resilience are needed most.”

According to the release, the Levitt series of concerts would feature local and regional talent.

How the community can help

Community members are encouraged to vote for Asheville to win the Levitt grant through Monday, Sept. 15 either online or via text.

Online ballots can be submitted here. The process takes about a minute to complete.

Votes by text can be submitted by sending “ASHEVILLE” in all caps to (877) 409-5525.

Winners of the grants will be announced later this year.

“We need the community’s voice to make this happen,” added Plemmons. “Every vote brings us closer to free live music in downtown Asheville.”

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