Applegate Valley has advanced to the public voting round of a nationwide competition that could bring a new wave of free live music to Southern Oregon. The nonprofit group A Greater Applegate, working in partnership with Applegate Evening Concerts, has been named one of 100 finalists for the Levitt AMP Music Series Grant.
The Levitt Foundation’s program is designed to help small and mid-sized communities transform public spaces through free, high-quality live music. Each year, the foundation funds up to 50 nonprofits across the United States, with each organization eligible to receive $40,000 per year over a three-year period. If selected, Applegate Valley would receive up to $120,000 between 2026 and 2028, dedicated to producing an annual summer concert series.
Under the proposal, ten free outdoor concerts would take place each year at The Lindsay Lodge beginning in 2026. The venue, already known for its natural setting, would become a central hub for residents and visitors to gather for music, culture, and community connection. Organizers say the initiative could serve as both an artistic investment and an economic boost, drawing attendees to local businesses while strengthening social ties within the valley.
The Levitt AMP program is structured around the idea that live music does more than entertain. The foundation emphasizes its ability to foster inclusivity, strengthen civic pride, and energize public spaces that might otherwise go underutilized. Dozens of communities across the country have used Levitt concerts to create annual traditions that blend cultural diversity with local identity.
Applegate Valley’s candidacy comes at a time when rural communities across Oregon are exploring new ways to support cultural development despite limited resources. For many towns, a recurring music series can help establish a sense of place, provide family-friendly entertainment, and encourage intergenerational participation. Local organizers believe that introducing a consistent program of professional-level performances could help bridge gaps between newcomers and long-time residents, offering shared experiences that highlight the region’s creative spirit.
The selection process is competitive. Public voting will play a significant role in determining which communities move forward to receive funding. Supporters are encouraged to cast their votes between September 5 and September 15, either online at levitt.org/vote or by texting “APPLEGATE” to 877-409-5525. Each person is allowed up to five votes, which can be spread among different communities or concentrated on one.
The campaign is spearheaded by A Greater Applegate (AGA), a nonprofit that works broadly on community building within the valley. The group is known for engaging residents through surveys, listening sessions, and local partnerships to guide its projects. Its mission focuses on strengthening connections among neighbors and supporting a resilient and thriving future for the region.
If successful, Applegate Valley would join a roster of towns nationwide that have used the Levitt AMP grant to establish beloved summer traditions. For residents, the prospect of ten free concerts each year represents more than music—it is a chance to invest in the vitality of their valley and shape its cultural landscape for years to come.