NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
April 26, 2004

MAYOR ANNOUNCES 2ND SEASON FOR LEVITT PERFORMING ARTS SERIES IN RESTORED RESERVOIR PARK BANDSHELL; ALL CONCERTS FREE TO PUBLIC

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced the artists’ roster and dates for the second annual Levitt Pavilion Performing Arts Series, slated for June 4 through August 28, at the newly-restored Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Reservoir Park. The Mayor also kicked off the new “Walk of Stars”, a commemorative brick walkway fundraising campaign which will create a nearly 3,000-foot walkway around the newly-restored Levitt Pavilion.

Reed said the family-oriented, summer-long series of more than 45 different event dates runs primarily every Wednesday through Saturday evening, and features more than 60 different live performances, ranging from children’s entertainment to theater, dance, and many different musical styles. All performances are free to the public.

“We are delighted to announce this year’s Levitt Pavilion Performing Arts Series,” said Mayor Stephen R. Reed, “and our deepest appreciation and gratitude are extended to New York City philanthropist Mortimer Levitt. His generosity has enabled us to significantly upgrade the historic bandshell in Reservoir Park, as well as launch an incredibly diverse new series of free live performances.” City and other private funds have been used to match the Levitt donation to finance the free performance series.

The extensive renovations to the historic bandshell in Reservoir Park, including upgrades in electrical and plumbing systems, dressing rooms, handicap accessibility and the installation of semi-permanent sound and lighting systems. The old public seating area of macadam and rustic benches has been replaced with a beautiful, three-tiered sloping lawn that encourages patrons to use lawn chairs and blankets for viewing the performances. New ramping and seating areas make the site more user-friendly and accessible than ever before, and parking for nearly three hundred vehicles can be accommodated.

Reed said the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts Foundation was also kicking-off a permanent capital fundraising campaign through the sale of commemorative bricks, blocks and benches that will be installed in a newly-created walkway traversing the new concert site and surrounding areas. Purchasers can achieve permanent recognition in the park through the purchase of a standard 4” by 8” brick for $50, an oversized 12” by 12” block for $500, or a limited number of 15 foot seating plaza areas for $3,500. All can have limited engraving or other personalized messages or remembrances installed.

“This is a perfect way to memorialize or commemorate friends and family in a serene setting that provides significant benefit to residents and users of the Park,” said Mayor Reed. “We urge everyone to show their support for Harrisburg’s renewal by taking advantage of this unique fundraising event. This will make the perfect gift for any occasion.”

Reed said many of the events that have now become tradition in Reservoir Park are continuing as before, including the popular African Family, Latin, Shakespeare and Reggae Festivals. The Series opens on June 4 with the Tenth Annual Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival, which this year celebrates ten years of free theatrical productions in the Park and features “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, which was the opening production of the troupe in its first year.

Free performances will be held every Thursday through Saturday evenings all summer long, with additional events occurring on some Sundays, and will include African drumming, jazz, rhythm and blues, folk & country, reggae, salsa and much, much more. Thursday nights will specifically feature entertainment and other activities geared towards children and young people.

Interested donors should contact the Mortimer Levitt Foundation of Harrisburg to obtain more information. Contributions to the Concert Series and the new walkway are tax-deductible and may be mailed to: The Mortimer Levitt Foundation of Harrisburg, 100 Concert Drive, Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA 17103-2400, or call (717) 233.3608, email LevittPavilion@CityofHbg.com, or visit the Pavilion’s website at www.LevittPavilionHarrisburg.com.

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