2019 Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series: Full Lineup of GRAMMY-Nominated Talent
The Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series returns for its third season, energizing the lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in the historic Martin Luther King neighborhood. This beloved event celebrates Chattanooga's rich musical legacy while establishing the district as a premier cultural destination.
Presented by RISE, a nonprofit delivering diverse cultural arts programs to foster creative innovation and community empowerment in Chattanooga, in partnership with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau, and City of Chattanooga.
Performances go on rain or shine. Summer and fall weather can bring morning storms that clear by afternoon—guests should check forecasts and dress accordingly.
For updates on cancellations or postponements due to inclement weather, visit RISE's Facebook or Twitter pages.
The HamilTones – Aug. 22
Known for their uplifting grooves and seamless harmonies, GRAMMY-nominated trio The HamilTones deliver soulful performances as Anthony Hamilton's official backup singers. Featuring Tony Lelo, 2E, and J. Vito, they share a “Best Traditional R&B Performance” nomination for “What I’m Feelin’” from Hamilton’s 2016 album. With sold-out shows at The Apollo and collaborations with BJ The Chicago Kid, PJ Morton, and Tori Kelly, their debut album Watch The Ton3s dropped earlier this year.
Valerie June – Aug. 29
Valerie June fuses folk, soul, blues, and Appalachian roots into a timeless sound. From Memphis's vibrant scene, this self-taught guitarist, banjoist, and lap steel player draws from Bob Marley and local traditions. Praised by the New York Times as one of America's most intriguing new talents, she's performed on The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Austin City Limits, and at The White House for First Lady Michelle Obama.
José Valentino – Sept. 5
EMMY and multi-Latin GRAMMY winner José Valentino excels in Latin jazz and funk fusion as a flutist, saxophonist, bassist, pianist, and percussionist. With degrees in arts, music, philosophy, and ministry, he leads the University of Florida’s Music Business & Entertainment program. His work features in award-winning films, with GRAMMY nods for I Make You Want to Move (2015) and MOSAICO (2016), plus a record 51 DownBeat Student Music Awards.
Rev. Sekou & The Freedom Fighters – Sept. 12
Theologian and activist Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou & The Freedom Fighters blend incendiary gospel with social commentary. His powerful voice and revivalist energy shine in albums like The Revolution Has Come (2016) and In Times Like These (2017). Tracks like “Resist” and “We Comin”—hailed by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a modern Civil Rights anthem—evoke southern grit and protest passion. He previously performed at Levitt Shell Memphis in 2018.
Stout & The Revolution – Sept. 19
Stout's dynamic house-neo soul fusion stems from gospel roots and tours with Alicia Keys. Her debut album Awakened hit #11 on Billboard’s Gospel Charts. Now with The Funk Apostles, her single “Queen” (2018) buzzed, and her upcoming EP promises more. Catch her electrifying live energy on tour.
Jyemo Club – Sept. 26
Denver's genre-blending supergroup Jyemo Club unites musicians from five countries for danceable Latin-Caribbean, funk, and rock vibes. Led by Jonny Jyemo with vocalists Whitney Hernandez (Cuba) and Jus Goodie (Detroit), their bilingual debut So Near, So Far (2018) has lit up Red Rocks, Arise Festival, and more.
B. Slade – Oct. 3
Three-time GRAMMY nominee B. Slade spans gospel, funk, and punk with influences like Prince and Stevie Wonder. Formerly Tonéx, he earned nods for Out the Box (2005) and “Blend” (2010). His 'Nureau' genre boasts hundreds of songs across dozens of albums.
Louis York and The Shindellas – Oct. 10
GRAMMY-nominated duo Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony’s Louis York blends pop, R&B, rock, and African rhythms. After hits for Rihanna and Bruno Mars, their EP trilogy Masterpiece Theatre: Act I, II, III celebrates love and self-expression with layered vocals and instrumentation.
Frank Bumpass – Oct. 17
Chattanooga native Frank Bumpass channels jazz with R&B flair on saxophone. Starting at age 11 in a musical family, he's influenced by Kenny G., Grover Washington Jr., and more. He's shared stages with Dottie Peoples, Kenny Latimore, and Chante Moore across the South.
Eric Roberson – Oct. 24
Independent soul/R&B pioneer Eric Roberson defies majors with GRAMMY-nominated tracks like “A Tale Of Two” (2009) and “Still” (2010). Collaborating with Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild, he sells out 8-10 shows monthly, inspiring artists with boundary-pushing music.
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The Levitt AMP Chattanooga Music Series is supported by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, empowering U.S. communities to revitalize public spaces via free live music. In 2019, over 550 free concerts spanned 26 cities. Learn more at levitt.org. #MusicMoves
