2023
ANNUAL REPORT
2023 Levitt Board of Directors Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen Board Chair Bill Anderson, Vice Chair Tom Bosch, Secretary Vaney Hariri Peter Hoesing Anthony Hohn Moses Idris
Kira Kimball Heath Kooiman Tina Lemieux Amy Moore Maureen Ohm Diane Olson
Dear friends, 2023 was a year of milestones and growth for Levitt at the Falls. In celebrating our fifth year of building community through music, we also celebrated record outreach in our community, an expansion of our team to five full-time staff members, the introduction of our All My Relatives Festival, new community partnerships, an updated genre list, and of course, 50 FREE concerts in downtown Sioux Falls. The successes we saw in 2023 created an even stronger foundation on which we can grow our mission. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Friends of Levitt members, and our partnership with the City of Sioux Falls, and the Mortimer and Mimi Levitt Foundation. Every person involved with the Levitt has a special and integral role in helping us to bring free concerts to downtown Sioux Falls. I thank every one of you for helping us to build community through music.
Gratefully yours, Nancy Halverson Executive Director
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Cindy Peterson Steve Sarbacker Bob Thimjon, Treasurer Richard Van Demark Jennifer Weiss
Mission Our Mission is to Build Community Through Music. Levitt at the Falls is a three way partnership between the local Friends of the Levitt Shell Sioux Falls (Levitt at the Falls) nonprofit, the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, and the City of Sioux Falls.
Levitt National The Levitt Shell in Sioux Falls is part of a national network of outdoor Levitt music venues and Levitt AMP concert sites dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities in America through free, live music in public spaces. Presenting high-caliber talent and a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues are welcoming, inclusive destinations where families, friends, and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together. Levitt venues are managed, programmed, and supported by Friends of Levitt nonprofit partners, and the Levitt AMP Music Series is presented by a range of nonprofit organizations. In 2023, the Levitt network presented 650+ free concerts in more than 40 towns and cities across the country, with audiences over 750,000. www.levitt.org
Table of Contents 2023 Highlights . . . Page 4
Artist residency inspires entrepreneurship . . . Page 5 Levitt brings music to inmates at penitentiary . . . Page 5
Strategic Plan . . . Page 6 Looking Forward . . . Page 7
2023 Friends . . . Page 8-9 Sponsors and Partners . . . Page 10 Financials . . . Page 11
2023 Highlights 2,019
513
Musicians who performed on the Levitt stage
58,577 Live stream viewers
Average in-person concert attendance People reached through in-person programming
5,094
People impacted by community outreach
Volunteers who served
$70,360.30 donated through buckets
FESTIVALS AND PARTNERSHIPS Festival of Cultures with LSS of SD 4th of July Celebration with City of Sioux Falls All My Relatives Festival with Wokini Initiative African Music Day with Kunama Community
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Artist residency inspires entrepreneurship 428 youth got the chance to collaborate with GRAMMY award-winning artist Pierce Freelon during his week-long residency with the Levitt between June 13-17. Pierce worked with the Boys & Girls Club Community Youth Center, ACE Academy, and aspiring “Daddy and Me,” sharing musicians attending the a message of family and Augustana University black fatherhood. Promising Futures camp. While in Sioux Falls, Then over the weekend, Pierce also spoke on a Pierce performed with panel during a monthly community youth at the Levitt Music Maker Mixer, Juneteenth festival after a sharing his perspective headlining performance on as a BIPOC artist and the Levitt stage. entrepreneur. Pierce’s mom, GRAMMY “Sioux Falls is an award-winning artist incredibly diverse Nnenna Freelon, performed community,” Pierce said. at the Levitt on the Friday “There are people from all night of Pierce’s residency, over the world who show and he was able to join up with their lineages.” her on stage to read from his children’s book,
Levitt brings music to inmates at penitentiary Levitt in your Neighborhood has brought music to places like rehabiliation centers, kids programs, and housing shelters. This year, the South Dakota State Penitentiary was looped into the Levitt neighborhood when Australian blues and rock band Kings & Associates performed a show for the inmates. After some background checks and a little help from the inmates to carry sound equipment and instruments up three flights of stairs, the
band performed one of the first live events for the inmates since the pandemic. A decorated card reading “Thank You from the men of the South Dakota State Penitentiary!” now sits on director of community engagement Rose Ann Hofland’s desk. Thanks to this first step, the penitentiary is now playing previous Levitt live streams on the facility’s closed circuit televisions for the inmates to enjoy.
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Strategic Plan The Levitt is focusing on five key areas to help engage our mission of building community through music. As part of our vision for 2028, the following activities will guide programming and decision making for Levitt at the Falls.
The Levitt will ...
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Town Square
... become the go-to public gathering space of Sioux Falls.
Inclusion
... live into the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as core to our programs, practices, and people.
Music Education
... inspire the next generation to learn and love music.
Outreach
... meet people where they are and build community beyond the lawn.
Convening / Convenor
... become the space to serve as a trusted collaborator by fostering impactful partnerships.
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LOOKING FORWARD Upcoming Initiatives in 2024
Welcome to Levitt Summer Jam Camp 2024! Join Levitt at the Falls and Augustana University for a dynamic summer camp experience where music intertwines with community, fostering friendships, learning, and musical inspiration. Special thanks to Augustana University, Promising Futures Fund, Marsh McLennan Agency, and Suzanne and Larry Fuller.
• Levitt Latin Jam Camp: June 17 - 21 — Ages 9-11 • Levitt Hip-Hop Jam Camp: July 15 - 19 — Ages 11-14 • Levitt Songwriting Jam Camp: June 24 - 28 — Girls and non-binary youth ages 14-18
SHIPPING CONTAINER There’s a new bright blue fixture tucked back into the sidewalk between the lawn and Phillips Avenue. Affectionately nicknamed “Big Blue,” this shipping container will serve as the home for concessions and merchandise sales, chair rentals, storage, volunteer check-in, and more. It also allows the staff to set up less tents and haul less equipment every concert. This double wide refurbished shipping container made its way to the lawn in November and will be ready to greet lawn goers in the 2024 season. The Levitt staff was jumping with joy at the arrival of “Big Blue,” and we can’t wait to serve patrons from this unique structure. Special thanks to the Sheldon F. Reece Foundation for supporting this project.
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2023 Friends of Levitt This list reflects gifts designated for t 2023 fiscal year.
Platinum $1,000 +
Anonymous Sanaa Abourezk Beth and Tim Anderson Jamie Kriech and Bill Anderson Tara J. Anderson Nicolle and James Boeding Amy and Tom Bosch Penny Brandt Miriam and Rob Broin Julie and Paul Bruflat Lynne and Bill Byrne CAPITAL Services Richard Carelli Valerie and Garth Caselli Dr. Holli Charbonneau and Jared Pomranky Gina and Charlie Cole Allison Pay-Crawford and Richard Crawford Betty and Steve Crim Sara and Daniel Crosby Jan and Robert Dahl Linda and Darrold Dean Ann and Dave Deg Catherine and Jacob Dekkenga Patti and Tom Dempster Vicki and Joel Dykstra Kris and Stephen Egger Richard Elmen Sarah Elmen Kopp and Robert Kopp Debbie and Joe Erickson Julie Anderson Friesen and Curt Friesen Sue and Dale Froehlich Suzanne and Larry Fuller Lisa Garrett and Tamara Vik Annie and Jeffrey Gordon Paul Gourley Sonja and Rick Gourley Lizbeth and Charles Gullickson Amanda and Colin Hall Nancy and Bruce Halverson Candy Hanson and Mike Crane
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Sheila Hazard Ann and John Henkhaus Amy and Glen Herrick Jennifer and Pete Hoesing Rose Ann and Josh Hofland Patsy and Dennis Holzwarth Diane and Larry Howe Jessa Howes Garry Jacobson Beth and Mark Jensen Dianne and Michael Juba Sara Keane Baumgarten and Keith Baumgarten Rebecca and Greg Kiesow-Knudsen Kira Kimball and Lance Moran Arlene and Dan Kirby Jennifer and Joe Kirby De and David Knudson April and Heath Kooiman Lorrae and Bill Lindquist Laurie and David Link Pat and Craig Lloyd Valerie and Kurt Loudenback Jeanelle and John Lust Vicki Madsen Karen and Jim Masloski Julie and Craig McKay Melissa and Kris McKinney Vicky and Preston Mettler Jami and Kent Metzger Julie Mickelberg Mary Ellyn Minenko and Michael Fischer MLAEA Charitable Fund Amy and Carson Moore Laura and John Mullen Kelly and Loc Nguyen Maureen and Alex Ohm
Barb and Dave Ohme Diane Olson Joan and Gary Olson Sherrill and Howard Pallotta Sandra and Douglas Pay Cindy and Kent Peterson Becky and Greg Pfundstein Penny and John Porter Marlene Rance Karen and Bryan Ruby Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Max Sandlin Pam and Greg Sands Sarah and Steve Sarbacker SCHEELS Koni and Paul Schiller Kathrine and Thomas Schnabel Cathy and Scott Schneider Deb and John Scott Mary and Thomas Simmons Ronny and Scott Sletten Rachelle and John Sutton Joan and Bob Thimjon Nancy and David Thomas Ashley and Keith Thompson Marti Schei Thompson Kristen and Chris Thorkelson Shannon and Steve Van Buskirk Michelle and Richard Van Demark Crystal and Tom Van Wyhe Jennifer Weiss and Craig Markhardt Cathy and Tom Whalen Ronald Williamson Harriet and Michael Yocum
Gold
Douglas Helkenn and Steve Dosch $500 - $999 Kristin and David Hoff Mary and Anthony Hohn Kaija and Brian Bonde Dave Holly and Kari Spitler Erin and Nathan Bosch Juli and Randy Huber Anita and Rich Brenneman Phusuda and Moses Idris Jon Brown Gwen and Jeff Jares Shirley and Paul Cink Lynne Jones Mary DeJong and Tate Profilet Mary Ann and Dave Kapaska Shirley and Gordan Dekkenga Carol and Mel Klein Kara Dirkson-Daniels and Mimi Lam Doug Daniels Lesa and Mark Lee Joni and Curtis Gacke Kaye Mack Christine and Edward Hamilton Kay and Patrick McNerney Carol and Lowell Hansen Karyl Mews and Ryan Bade Lynne Hansen Elizabeth and Ron Nelson
Betty Oldenkamp Beth Ormseth Susie and Kim Patrick Karine and Matthew Paulson Lucas Peterson Robin Rowe Katie and Jeffry Scherschligt Jean and Jim Snyder Lori and Gary Thomas Jean and Loren Tschetter Darla Van Rosendale Terry and Tom Welk Jackie and James Wentworth Valeria Wicker and Serge van Neck
Rose Grant and Marty Dennis Stephanie and George Gongopoulos Sylvia Hall Somboon Hamel and Tim Hamel Kim and Bob Hayes Evan Hetland Jean and Richard Hicks Judy and Bill Hoff Lynne Hunter Norman Jerke Sandy Jerstad Carol and Al Johnson Jill and Dan Johnson Nancy Jordahl Jane and Greg Jude Mike Karel Don Kearney Kris and Clark Kelley Mary Beth Kelly Nancy and Ken Kerkvliet Lori and Kirk Kiesow Janet Kittams Audrey Kleinsasser Melinda Larson Janet and Benjamin Leigh Tina M. Lemieux and Randall J. Van Bemmel Rebecca Luke Debora Luther Dianne and Bruce Mair Brienne Maner Janella and Rick Mathiesen Kacey McCarthy Carol and F.B. McEntee
Rebecca and Ryan McKeever Ruth and Bob Metcalf Midwest Alarm Company Sue Miller and Chris Winter Lynn and Tim Moratzka Julie and Mark Nielsen Sonja Niles and J.T. Bergan Stephanie Peterson and Gregg Brown Jill and Charles Point Carol and Greg Puerkel Barb and Frank Rance Tanya and Jerry Rasmussen Rose and John Rueb Pamela and Ron Rysavy Lori and Robert Santella Evy and Doug Schneider Jim Schultz Brent Simmons Tami and Pete Skorczewski Stephen Smith Glenda Stene Dawn Stephens JB Sweere Brenda Tibbetts and Francis McGowan Carol Twedt Kathy Van De Walle
Friends $100 - $499
Crystal Baily Jean Beddow Deb and Tom Behrend Robin and Mark Berg Janet and Brian Bird Kristy and Elijah Bonde Amanda Bormann Diane and Paul Bosch Lorraine and Tony Bour Arlene Brandt-Jenson and Bob Jenson William Brennan Debbie and Ron Brozanic Kim and Jim Burma JoJean Callison and Tom Chap Monique and Michael Christensen Kathleen and Ron Christensen Grace and Steve Christianson Cathy and Steve Clark Shawn Cleary Jeanie and Mark Conzemius Laura and Brett Cooper Sharon DeHaan Jennifer Erickson Deborah and Jeffrey Finnegan Jane and Dennis Fixsel Peter Folliard Catherine and Tim Forsch Carol and Steve Fox Mary and Rich Garry Bobbi Gear Smith
Kathy Vasa
Susie and Jeff Weber Maure and Craig Weinkauf Ellen and David Welch Claire Willson Donna Wilson Sarah Winterscheidt
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ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS
PROGRAM SPONSORS First National Bank in Sioux Falls First PREMIER Bank FoxPrint *605 Magazine Friends of South Dakota AARP South Dakota Public Broadcasting Anonymous Geotek Architecture Incorporated Gourley Properties Avera Health *Holiday Inn City Centre Bluepeak Jennifer and Joe Kirby Boyce Law Firm JJ’s Wine, Spirits, & Cigars Central Bank Joan and Bob Thimjon Cimarron Label Jones 421 Building *Click Rain + Lemonly Juneteenth Sioux Falls CorTrust Bank Kelly and Loc Nguyen Cresten Capital Holdings *KELOLAND Media Group Cutler Law Firm Koch Hazard Dakota Dermatology Lamar Advertising *Dakota Video & Post Lloyd Companies Davenport Evans LSS of SD Direct Companies MarketBeat Dorsey & Whitney Trust Marsh McLennan Agency *ELO CPAs and Advisors MidAmerican Energy Empire Companies Mid Atlantic Arts First Bank and Trust Foundation 2023 Season Presenting Sponsor
*MIDCO Midwest Dairy Midwest Railcar Repair Northwest Corp Pivot Rock Venture Capital *Pixelbox Promising Futures Fund Reliabank Results Radio/ Townsquare Media Robert and Rita Elmen Foundation SDSU Wokini Initiative Service First Federal Credit Union Sheldon F. Reece Foundation Sioux Empire Home Builders Care Foundation Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation Sisson Printing South Dakota Humanities Council
South Dakota State University South Dakota Trust Company Steve and Sarah Sarbacker *The Hood Magazine The James and Eloise Elmen Foundation University of South Dakota Foundation Van Demark, Lavin & Hodges Financial Advisors Voyage Federal Credit Union Waterbury Heating & Cooling William D. Anderson/ Tara J. and William P. Anderson Workplace IT Management
South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts. * In-kind goods or services
COMMUNITY PARTNERS ACE Academy Arts South Dakota Augustana University English Department Augustana University School of Music Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire City of Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Collective Efforts Union Dakota Country Dance Club
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Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Great Plains Zoo Icon Events Hall Juneteenth Sioux Falls Kelley Creative Collective LSS Multi-Cultural Center Pepper Entertainment Promising Futures Fund Raven Industries South Dakota African American History Museum South Dakota State Penitentiary
South Dakota Urban Indian Health Sioux Falls Arts Council Sioux Falls School District Sioux Falls Thrive South Dakota Public Broadcasting Startup Sioux Falls SuFu Creative Events The HUB SD Therapy Dogs International U.S. Army - Sioux Falls Recruiting Station VOA Axis180
2023 Financials EXPENDITURES $ 1,171,693
REVENUES
$ 1,062,511 + $ 141,200 Income deferred to 2024 $ 1,203,711
Summer concert series: $ 627,507 Depreciation: $ 16,767 Promotion and marketing: $ 75,803
Contributed: $ 841,067
General operating: $ 89,740
Earned: $ 103,541
Personnel: $ 326,252
Indirect / endowment: $ 61,923
Development/donor events: $ 32,600
Gifts in-kind: $ 55,980
Volunteer program: $ 3,024
FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF 12.31.23 Assets Total current assets Total property and equipment Total investments and endowment funds Liabilities Total current liabilities Total net assets
$ 1,822,014 $ 130,684 $ 79,360 $ 2,032,058 $ 152,901 $ 1,879,157 $ 2,032,058 levittsiouxfalls.org
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