Check out the lineup for this year's Levitt AMP series in Springfield

Free, family-friendly concerts are returning to downtown Springfield this summer.

The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will kick off its seventh season May 28, according to a community announcement from the Springfield Area Arts Council, which is organizing the series this year. The concerts will take place every Thursday through July 30.

The 10-week series, presented by PNC Bank, will feature a diverse lineup of performers from across the world. Entertainment will begin at 6:15 p.m. each Thursday in the vacant block north of the Illinois Governor's Mansion at Fifth Street and Capitol Avenue.

Each evening will include a Kids' Kickoff at 6:15 p.m., an opening act at 6:45 p.m. and a headliner at 7:45 p.m., according to the announcement.

More:'You get energy when you're down here': Levitt AMP makes play to stay in Springfield

Food, drinks and other activities available

The public is invited to bring their own food, drinks, lawn chairs and blankets. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site, and local restaurants will be open for takeout.

Here is this year's main performers:

• May 28: Chloe Kimes (Americana)

• June 4: Anita Michelle Jackson (Jazz)

• June 11: The Matchsellers (Bluegrass)

• June 18: The Psycodelics (Funk)

• June 25: Roben Moreno & The Zydeco Re-Evolution (Zydeco)

• July 2: Shawn Holt & The Teardrops (Blues)

• July 9: Lowdown Brass Band (Hip Hop/Reggage)

• July 16: Esso Funk (Afro-Caribbean)

• July 23: Carver Commodore (Alternative Rock)

• July 30: Doc Robinson (Indie Pop/Soul)

More information is available on the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series Facebook page atfacebook.com/LevittAMPSpringfield.

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The concert series is made possible through support from local sponsors, including a three-year matching grant from the Levitt Foundation and a presenting sponsorship from PNC Bank.

"PNC has proudly supported the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series since its inception because we've seen how free, high-quality arts programming can strengthen downtown Springfield and bring people together," Brian Ray, PNC regional president of central Illinois, said in the announcement. "This series reflects our long-standing commitment to the community by creating experiences that celebrate creativity, connectivity and local pride."

The series, which began in 2019, has seen significant growth in attendance. Last year, more than 16,700 people attended the concerts, a 116% increase from the first year, according to the announcement.

Production of the music series is also supported by the city of Springfield, Central Baptist Church, Downtown Springfield Inc. and Springfield Youth Performance Group, among others.

"Every season, our community shows up with heart, energy and a love for live music which transforms the Y Block into a place of creativity, community, connection and caring," Jay Shanle, program director for the series, said in the announcement. "We're excited for what this year will bring and grateful to be part of it."

• The Juneteenth Celebration Committee will co-host the June 18 concert as part of its week-long Juneteenth celebration that begins June 11.

• The Sangamon Mass Transit District will offer a bus as a cooling station at three concerts.

Those interested in volunteering at the concerts can contact levittamp@downtownspringfield.org.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more athttps://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register:Levitt AMP series: Full lineup announced for Springfield concerts

byMario Satorik

in

May 09, 2026

Check out the lineup for this year's Levitt AMP series in Springfield

Free, family-friendly concerts are returning to downtown Springfield this summer. The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will ki...

Read More

Farage under pressure to tackle racist Reform candidates who ‘spew hate online’

Reform UKcandidates standing in this week’s local elections appear to have posted racist and Islamophobic views onsocial media, as well as support for far-right figures likeTommy Robinsonand Nick Griffin,The Independentcan reveal.

The revelations about candidates standing for the party in seats in south-east England add to concerns thatNigel Farageis failing to tackleextremismin his party despite his claims that Reform’s vetting system is the best in British politics.

It also follows a failure byReform to deal with candidates in the north of Englandexposed byThe Independent, who espoused racist, misogynist and homophobic views on social media.

With Reform expected to win more than 1,500 seats next week, there are concerns that their failure to vet candidates properly will mean extremists will win seats across England.

Among the candidates accused of “spewing hate online” is Lynn Smith, the Reform UK candidate for Blackfen and Lamorbey ward who was previously a UKIP councillor in Bexley. She appears to have reposted a graphic containing a photo of a Muslim woman and the text “hates Jews, Christians, atheists, gays, dogs, bacon, wine, beer, your civilisation, your culture, your traditions, your country, and you. Complains aboutislamophobia”.

Then on X (formerly Twitter), she appears to have said: “Has the NHS become the new Islam, criticise at your own risk?”

Then again on X she appears to have said: “@GBNews I don’t think we should have the ‘word’ islamaphobia. Wherever I look abroad at Islamic countries as a woman I am fearful for them, and am fearful of the growth of Islam here.”

Ms Smith also appears to have posted a picture of herself using a scarf as a hijab on Facebook, stating: “Thinking of becoming a Muslim just as a reason to hide my pelican neck. Then again, I couldn’t give up alcohol.”

The Reform UK candidate seemingly expressed support forTommy Robinson, despite Mr Farage’s attempts to distance himself from the far right activist. Replying to a Nick Ferrari post about interviewing the friend of the Westminster terror attack suspect, she said: “I used to be against Tommy [Robinson]’s methods but when the MSM are too cowardly to dig deep into radical Islam he’s now a hero for sure.”

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Meanwhile Mike Ferro, the Reform UK candidate for Blendon and Penhill ward, appears to have posted a Facebook message saying: “Am I the only person who thinks that Uran Nabiev has been harshly treated by the law”.

Nabiev was sentenced to 14 years for killing a man in a “grotesque” overreaction to a broken wing-mirror by driving into two people after one of them punched his car. One of the victims received a fatal head injury when he was dragged 9 metres along the pavement on Bickley Road, Erith.

Also on Facebook he seems to have commented on the Black Lives Matter protests, saying: “They are delighted - overjoyed - at the shocking manner of his death, and the platform it has given them to promote their odious beliefs. The irony is, these groups themselves are the new totalitarians, heirs to the Nazis…”

Old Bexley and Sidcup Tory MP Louie French described the comments by the three Reform candidates as “truly shocking.”

He added: “Reform selected three candidates who are spewing hate online and sharing wild conspiracy theories. I urge Reform UK to do the right thing and disown these candidates now.”

Meanwhile in Chingford another Reform candidate, Matt Davis, who has been pictured with Mr Farage, has posted numerous hate messages on a now deleted X account about Islam.

He appeared to refer to Islam as “an evil death cult” and “evil” in dozens of messages, as well as making other unpublishable comments.

Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: “Reform UK claimed they had professionalised and properly vetted their candidates. These comments show that simply isn’t true.

“Instead we’re seeing a pattern of offensive remarks, conspiracies, and poor judgment. These aren’t the high standards they promised; it’s the exact opposite.”

A Reform spokesman said: “We are looking into these posts.”

byMario Satorik

in

May 09, 2026

Farage under pressure to tackle racist Reform candidates who ‘spew hate online’

Reform UKcandidates standing in this week’s local elections appear to have posted racist and Islamophobic views onsocial media, as well...

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Paycom CEO Chad Richison donates to OETA after Gov. Kevin Stitt's veto

A foundation created by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison announced Friday it is donating $500,000 to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority in the wake of avetofor a funding extension by Gov. Kevin Stitt for the agency that broadcasts “Sesame Street,” “Antiques Roadshow” and highly acclaimed Ken Burns documentaries.

The grant from the Richison Family Foundation, established by Richison, is intended to help sustain OETA’s public media services for Oklahomans, including PBS KIDS early learning programming, the award-winning Oklahoma News Report and the statewide Wireless Emergency Alert system.

More:Oklahoma governor vetoes OETA extension, putting public TV at risk

“At a time when federal support for public broadcasting is uncertain, this investment from the Richison Family Foundation is both meaningful and essential,” said Shawn Black, executive director of OETA. “We are incredibly grateful for partners like the Richison Family Foundation, who believe in our mission and help make it possible. Their support also highlights the vital role underwriters play in sustaining public television as a trusted, noncommercial resource for all.”

Such underwriting has long been a part of funding for public broadcasting; the Richison Family Foundation grant represents 17% of the $2.95 million in funding the legislature allocated for the 2026 fiscal year.

“Public broadcasting is an essential resource for communities,” Richison said. “I’m proud to support OETA, a sustainable organization that is making a lasting impact.”

The Richison contribution and other donations will not end uncertainty about public broadcasting in Oklahoma that first went on the air in 1956 after OETA was created by state lawmakers. The statewide public television network, reaching all 77 counties through four full-power transmitters and 14 low-power translators draws more than 650,000 viewers each week, making OETA one of the most-watched PBS stations in the nation.

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Citing President Donald Trump’s opposition to public broadcasting and contending it shouldn’t be subsidized by taxpayers, Stitt vetoed OklahomaSenate Bill 1461, which would have extended the sunset date for OETA, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2031.

More:Oklahoma House passes bill to expand private school tax credit

Without the state Senate and House of Representative's overriding Stitt's veto ofSB 1461— authored bySen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, andRep. Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus — OETA's legal mandate to operate as Oklahoma's public broadcaster could expire on July 1. Another bill, HB 3320, also addresses the sunset provision faced by OETA and passed 92 to 0.

“Right now, OETA’s focus remains on continuing to serve Oklahoma communities through trusted educational programming, PBS KIDS resources, local storytelling and journalism, statewide emergency communications infrastructure through WARN, and free over-the-air public television access for all 77 counties,” spokesperson Jennifer Mullins told The Oklahoman in an emailed statement.

“As legislative discussions continue regarding SB 1461 and HB 3320, we encourage Oklahomans who value OETA’s service to respectfully share their support for continued public television service with their legislators.”

Contributing: Brandy McDonnell, The Oklahoman

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman:Paycom CEO donates $500,000 to OETA as it faces uncertain future

byMario Satorik

in

May 09, 2026

Paycom CEO Chad Richison donates to OETA after Gov. Kevin Stitt's veto

A foundation created by Paycom founder and CEO Chad Richison announced Friday it is donating $500,000 to the Oklahoma Educational Telev...

Read More