FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2025
Free Music Olympia Competes for National Grant to Launch Olympia Concert Series at West Central Park
New Pavilion at West Central Park Will Host Concerts if Grant is Secured; Community Voting Runs Sept. 5–15
Olympia, WA — Free Music Olympia, the local non-profit that organizes the ABSOLUTELY FREE and ALL AGES concert series Scherler Sundays in Downtown Olympia, is a finalist for the 2025 Levitt AMP Grant Awards, a national competition that funds free, live music series in small to mid-sized communities. If awarded, Free Music Olympia will receive funding to produce a second ABSOLUTELY FREE and ALL AGES concert series called the Levitt AMP: West Olympia Music Series. The grant will guarantee funding for three summers of outdoor concerts starting in 2026.
The proposed series will take place at West Central Park, which has officially committed to hosting the concerts. The park is currently constructing a brand-new performance pavilion, set to be completed in time for the inaugural 2026 season.
“This new pavilion, combined with the potential of Levitt funding, will elevate West Central Park as a cultural hub for the region,” said Markly Morrison, Executive Director of Free Music Olympia. “But it won’t happen without a torrent of public votes!”
How to Vote:
Text “OLYMPIA” to 877-409-5525
Or vote online at freemusicolympia.org
Voting Period: September 5–15, 2025
IMPORTANT: Votes cast before Sept 5, or after Sept 15, will not be counted!
Free Public Concert – Sunday, September 7 at 3 PM
To energize the community and mark the opening of the voting window, Free Music Olympia has organized an encore Scherler Sundays show–a free rally concert, hosted behind the historic Carnegie Library.
Festivities Include:
C AVERAGE – Iconic Olympia rock duo, returning to the stage for the first time since ‘19
Grupo Impecable – An emerging Norteño band from Lacey, WA
Time & Location: Sunday, September 7 at 3 PM
Food & Drink: O.G.’s Smokehouse BBQ, Citra PIzza, 3Mag Beer, Self Care NA Beer, Whitewood Cider, Magic Kombucha, soda, and more!
Where: Behind the Carnegie Library, 620 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Admission: Free and open to all ages
Free Music Olympia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to producing inclusive, accessible music experiences in public spaces, while compensating artists fairly. The Levitt AMP series, in partnership with West Central Park’s new pavilion, would significantly expand cultural access and community engagement in West Olympia.
Media Resources:
Photos, artist bios, interviews, and background materials are available by request. Media outlets are encouraged to cover the rally event and voting campaign.
Media Contact:
Markly Morrison
Executive Director
Free Music Olympia
freemusicolympia@gmail.com
360-972-8499
freemusicolympia.org
