Levitt Amp concert series returns to Carson City's Brewery Arts Center all summer long

The Levitt Amp Concert Series returns to Carson City beginning June 17 at the Brewery Arts Center under new leadership.

Executive Director Spike McGuire came into the position at the BAC in January, and immediately got to work searching out and selecting the bands and musical acts that will showcase this year’s Levitt AMP concert series. However, McGuire said, the community will find the same format and vibe that the community expects.

“We are following the same format that everyone has come to know and love,” McGuire said. “But this year will be all new bands that have not played here before, with he same level of diversity of genres and performers.”

As in previous years, 10 concerts will be held, each with a local Northern Nevada opening band and a touring band to headline, many of whom are renowned performers with Grammy wins and have played with the most famous acts in the country.

Attendees can expect the same activities as in previous years, from food trucks and drink sales, to fun activities for the family including art projects, crafts and more.

“I’ve been a long time fan of the Levitt series myself before being involved with BAC and I’m (committed) to honor the same traditions of what it presents with a bit of my own flair and musical tastes, and I’m excited to share these acts and after this year, I’m certain that the community will trust my musical tastes implicitly,” McGuire said.

The line-up for the concerts are as follows:

Las Cafeteras June 17

Las Cafeteras have taken the music scene by storm with their infectious live performances and have crossed many genres and borders along the way. Their electric sound & energy has taken them around the world playing shows from Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl, WOMAD New Zealand to Montreal Jazz, & beyond!

Opening Act: Sonido Sueño

Collectivity June 24

Collectivity is a jazz/funk, psychedelic soul band originally formed in Shanghai, China and now based in the SF Bay Area. We're talking about blistering energy and genre blending from an ensemble of world class musicians with a focus on exploration through collective improvisation. Upbeat grooves, soulful guitar work and tight arrangements are things to expect from a collectivity show. They draw on influences from jazz/funk, gospel and psychedelic soul.

Opening act: Blue Envy

MarchFourth July 1

MarchFourth is a kaleidoscope of musical and visual energy that inspires unabashed dancing and an atmosphere of celebration. With costumes inspired by band camp meets circus, the band consists of electric bass, guitar, 4-piece percussion corps, a 7-part brass section, dancers, acrobatics, stilt-walkers and a very diverse musical repertoire. Far from a "marching band" in any traditional sense, they have been known to swagger down Main Street playing a few tunes before taking the stage.

Opening act: Spencer Kilpatrick & The Sand Gators

Noah Vonne July 8

Noah Vonne has forged an original sound that blends elements of rock, soul, blues, and pop. From an early age, the Texas native drew upon the likes of Janis Joplin, Brandi Carlile, Alicia Keys, Sara Bareilles, Joan Jett and Ella Fitzgerald — each of these powerful women can be heard in her vocal delivery. Noah Vonne’s latest LP “We Weren’t Sober” is out now on her indie label Gray Vonne Records in partnership with Vere Music / ADA.

Opening Act: KatBoss

Tha Exchange July 15

Funk rooted soul rock jazz hop created for you to have a good time and dance your booty off!

Opening act: Dave & Cliff (from Jelly bread)

Indigenous July 22

Mato Nanji, of the Ihanktonwan Nation first picked up the guitar at 16 years old. Since the age of 18, he has toured the country with his blues/rock band Indigenous. Playing with great artists such as Buddy Guy, BB King, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, and Jackson Brown to name a few. He has been a part of the Experience Hendrix tour since 2002 and shared the stage with a lot of great musicians. “It’s a great honor to be a part of the Experience Hendrix tour for so many years, I love it!”

Opening act: Jason King Band

Las Chikas July 29

Las Chikas is comprised of some of the most talented female musicians in Southern California. Salsa never looked so good in the City of Angels, a melting pot of cultures and ethnicity come together to give birth to a multicultural female band that sets the stage on fire! Starting from humble beginnings in restaurants and clubs, Las Chikas have impressed and captivated audiences throughout California, including the San Jose Jazz Festival, LACMA/ Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles, and WeHo Summer Sounds.

Opening act: So Conocimiento

Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble Aug. 5

Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble is an iconic and innovative zydeco band from the small town of Eunice, Louisiana. Founded by the namesake singer and songwriter, Curley Taylor, their sound is part modern blues, part traditional zydeco and driven by upbeat, party-starting rhythms. Their music draws inspiration from a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from country to R&B. Whether they’re performing at a dance hall in the bayou or rocking festival stages around the world, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble bring an unmistakable energy that always gets people on their feet. For fans of good music and a good time!

Opening act: Rachael McElhiney & Her Friends

The Peelers Aug. 12

Now based in Montreal, The Peelers were formed in 1999 in North Glengarry. Less than an hour from the city, they immersed themselves in a hotbed of Gaelic culture which smashed head-on into a love of whiskey, poetry, footy, debauchery, ska and punk. The band has evolved to become one of the most acclaimed Celtic punk acts in the genre. They don’t just bend the rules of tradition with their blend of aggro & trad Irish - these long ball merchants tear it to pieces.

Opening act: The Deadly Gallows

Shamarr Allen Aug. 19

Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” In addition to performing with his band, Allen has collaborated with many renowned artists around the world such as Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Galatic, Harrick Connick Jr, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few. He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world. In addition to displaying his skills on the front-line as a lead performer, Allen is also a music composer, writer, and producer. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience!

Opening act: Jenes & The Juice

Go here to learn more about the concert series, performers and bands.