McMinnville hopes to bring the Levitt AMP Concert Series to town, but they need community support to make it happen.
Tourism and Marketing Manager Jordan Puplols said the three-year concert series hinges entirely on online feedback. The city was approved for the grant needed for the concerts, but Pupols the funds will not be dispersed unless there is proof of resident support.
“We’re competing against cities like Miami, Florida, Oceanside, California, Wichita, Kansas,” Pupols said. “These are major, metro areas, so it just really shows the power of community that McMinnville is able to compete at that level.”
Pupols said support is being tracked by an online voting system. Pupols said McMinnville has the fourth most votes in Tennessee, and ranks 24th nationally. To vote, people can text “MCMINN” to 877-409-5525.
Pupols said she hopes to see people from across the Upper Cumberland vote to bring the series to McMinnville. Voting is open until September 15. Each voter can vote for five cities one time each.
Pupols said if McMinnville is the winning city, it would be awarded $40,000 per year for three years to book a concert. Pupols said the grant is meant to activate under-utilized spaces in communities of all sizes. Main Street McMinnville has led the grant effort.
“The purpose of it is to really highlight the diversity within a community,” Pupols said. “So we haven’t specifically found specific artists yet, however, some of the genres we’re looking to explore are bluegrass, country, gospel, and Latino music at this time.”
Pupols said she is excited about the series because if awarded, it can help bring the community together. Pupols said the concert series could also serve as a way to bring in more visitors.
“Our downtown is just cozy,” Pupols said. “It connects communities already, and this is just another way to activate the downtown on a day where it may not be utilized. And push residents and visitors alike to support our small businesses by maybe dining prior to the event or other ways as well.”
Pupols said she is thrilled about the opportunity to bring diverse artists that reflect McMinnville’s diversity. Pupols said she thinks this opportunity can enrich the community through free, high quality programming downtown.
