The Levitt AMP Utica Music Series is producing a two-hour TV special called “AMP the House!,” showcasing Utica’s diverse local music scene as well as some national acts. Focused on community and family, the show seeks to encourage viewers’ mental health and support musicians. Genres highlighted in the special include pop, soul, blues, Latin, instrumental, and country. The performers, 12 acts in total, consist of all different backgrounds, genders, languages, and ages.
Not only will “AMP the House!” feature Utica’s unique range of talent shown above, but explore what else Levitt AMP Utica does behind the scenes. The special will include “Beyond the Music” segments about the AMP Utica internship program and more.
Coordinator Michelle Truett says, “We chose to produce a television show because it will allow us to share great bands, singers and musicians with viewers throughout the Central New York region and hopefully entice them to come to downtown Utica next summer to see the concerts in person. Also, a TV show gives us a great opportunity to share what else we do at the park with our series – our internship program, fostering of youth performers, placemaking activities, art, inclusion and community-building. The show is going to be jam-packed with inspiration and talent.”
In addition to local Utica acts, two national bands are participating. B2wins and Bassel & the Supernaturals were originally supposed to perform in person, but will instead appear in the special and rebook for 2021. B2wins, short for Brazilian twins, are Iowan brothers who bend genres with the help of a violin and ukulele. Recently, they’ve been keeping busy with community outreach for the COVID-19 crisis. As for Bassel & the Supernaturals, they’re a Chicagoan neo-soul and funk band that raises awareness for Syrian refugees both on and off the stage,
Utica Monday Nite board president Alyssa Spina adds, “Utica Monday Nite is proud to be a part of a project that exemplifies the power art as a tool to bring community together, especially and most importantly during a time when connection is most needed.” Founded in 1997, Utica Monday Nite is a local arts initiative that has accepted the Levitt AMP [Your City] Music Awards grant for the last five years. Going to cities with underutilized public spaces, the Levitt AMP Utica Music Series previously took place at Kopernik Park in Oneida Square. Although they postponed live concerts, this TV special is still possible due to a bridge grant from the Levitt Foundation.
The special will air Monday, July 20 on CBS-Utica 2 and again Thursday, July 23 on WFXV 33, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. both nights. Both channels are available throughout the greater Utica area. The show won’t be put online after, so these are the only opportunities to watch it.
