Staff from Wayne Center for the Arts recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2026 Levitt Music Series Learning Conference in Los Angeles—and we’re still riding the wave of inspiration.

The conference welcomed the newest members of the national Levitt network: Levitt Music Series grantees for 2026–2028, representing more than 30 communities of all sizes from across the country. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just a conference—it was a gathering of people who believe deeply in the power of free, live music to bring communities together.

We kicked things off with interactive icebreakers and quickly found ourselves connecting with fellow Levitt sites who are doing remarkable work in their own towns and cities. Being part of this network is both humbling and energizing—Wooster is truly in special company.

The opening plenary and fireside chat set the tone for the week. Levitt Foundation President & CEO Sharon Yazowski and Board Co-Chair Kathy Eberly Ovitt shared reflections on carrying forward the Levitt family legacy: a movement focused on creating healthy, equitable, and thriving communities—one city and one concert at a time. It was a powerful reminder that this music series is about far more than performances; it’s about people, place, and belonging.

One unforgettable highlight was a live performance by Küf Knotz and Christine Elise, an award-winning duo whose soulful blend of hip-hop poetry and classical instrumentation filled the room. Having performed on multiple Levitt stages nationwide, they spoke movingly about the impact free outdoor concerts can have in public spaces—bringing joy, connection, and unexpected moments of beauty into everyday life.

Day two dove deep into the nuts and bolts of building a successful music series. Alongside Levitt staff, field experts, and fellow grantees, we participated in sessions on:

• Thoughtful, inclusive programming
• Building strong, community-centered partnerships
• Creating win-win sponsorships and donor relationships
• Marketing free concert series in ways that spark joy and broaden reach
• Artist booking essentials and safety & security best practices

Equally valuable were the conversations between sessions—swapping ideas, learning from peers, and forming connections that will continue long after the conference ends.

What does all of this mean for Wooster and Wayne County? A lot.

We’re returning home energized, informed, and incredibly proud to be part of the Levitt family. The ideas, best practices, and relationships we gained will directly shape how we grow Wednesdays on Walnut into a vibrant, welcoming, and community-driven music series for years to come.

🎵 Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing our upcoming concert lineup soon—and just as importantly, we’ll be sharing exciting new ways for the community to get involved, from partnerships and volunteer opportunities to creative activations that make each concert feel like a true neighborhood celebration.

Get ready. This is just the beginning.