Manchester, NH – City officials, community leaders, residents and visitors gathered in City Hall Plaza in downtown Manchester, NH, on Friday afternoon to be among the first to cast their votes to help bring a free outdoor music series to the city. Manchester is one of 100 semi-finalists for a Levitt AMP Grant, a multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to small and mid-sized towns and cities across the U.S.
To advance to the finalist round, Manchester must rally community support in the form of votes via Levitt’s online portal or text; voting will end Monday, September 15, at 8:00 p.m.
City Year New Hampshire, supported by the Manchester Economic Development Office and a group of local officials and community leaders, including State Representative Matt Wilhelm, is leading the effort to make the free, outdoor music series in Veteran’s Park a reality for Manchester.
“City Year is all about building community. We hope this free outdoor concert series will be a vibrant source of connection and cultural enrichment, offering a place where people can gather, relax, and enjoy something meaningful together,” said City Year Chief of Staff Jen Little. “We look forward to welcoming everyone in Manchester—from families in the South End to seniors in the North End, as well as new arrivals seeking connection—to experience the joy and inspiration of live music right here in the heart of downtown.”
Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais was one of the first to text his vote for Manchester at Friday’s event and asked the crowd to spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors.
“This is an exciting moment for our city and a wonderful opportunity for our community,” said Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais. “Bringing this outdoor music series to our community is more than just entertainment; it is an investment in our cultural vibrancy. By showcasing artists from a wide array of backgrounds and musical traditions, we are enriching the lives of our residents and creating a stronger, more connected community for everyone.”
The Levitt AMP Manchester Music Series will be a lively outdoor concert series featuring musicians across a wide range of styles, cultures and genres performing original music. The program will celebrate Manchester’s resilient spirit and diverse communities and will feature a blend of regional talents and hyper-local artists from the region’s ascending music scene, and cultural performances reflecting the ever-evolving mosaic of Manchester. This eclectic mix will entertain, educate, and instill a powerful sense of collective pride in Veteran’s Park, becoming a hallmark of summer in Manchester.
The Levitt AMP Grant will support a three-year concert series beginning in 2026 and running through 2028. The series will be family-friendly and welcoming to all.
How to vote: Until 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 15, members of the public can vote for Manchester by text or online, as follows:
- From a mobile device, text MANCHNH (all caps) to 877-409-5525.
- Online, go to levitt.org/vote, register, and select Manchester, NH.
People may cast one vote only for Manchester – and every vote helps!
For more information about the proposed Levitt AMP Manchester Music Series, contact: Jen Little, City Year New Hampshire: jlittle@cityyear.org or (603) 218-5125.