Levitt Foundation Awards FSU’s Cultural Events Series Three-Year Grant

Levitt Foundation Awards FSU's Cultural Events Series Three-Year Grant

Sep 3, 2025 8:00 AM

The Cultural Events Series (CES) at Frostburg State University has been awarded a three-year grant in the amount of $120,000 from the Levitt Foundation to continue the Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series through 2028. The series, launched in 2023, brings free, family-friendly concerts to Canal Place Heritage Park and other local venues for ten consecutive weeks each summer, presenting a wide array of musical genres and bringing together community members of all ages for a celebration of the arts. The grant was submitted by CES through the FSU Foundation, the University's non-profit entity.

The Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series is planned through a dynamic partnership between the Allegany Arts Council, CES at Frostburg State University and Loft 129, with additional support from the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority and Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland. The project will involve the continued support of Allegany County, the City of Cumberland and Frostburg State University, whose funding and commitment have been instrumental in sustaining the series.

"We are honored to continue this incredible series that brings people together through the power of live music," said Melanie Moore, Director of CES at Frostburg State University. "This grant affirms the impact of our work and the strength of our community partnerships."

Returning Levitt AMP grant recipients were selected through a competitive review process based on projected impact, feasibility, community support and alignment with the Levitt Foundation's mission. Additional factors included the quality of the public space, inclusive programming across diverse music genres and outreach strategies that welcome all members of the community.

CES is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org) and receives financial support from the Allegany Arts Council and the City of Frostburg.