HISTORY
Formed in 2016, Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose is a non-profit organization comprised of community stakeholders committed to the revitalization of St. James Park as a safe and inclusive destination for people of all ages and background. The new outdoor Pavilion will feature 50+ free concerts throughout the year along with other performances.
Since 2016, community leaders have come together to be a part of building Levitt Pavilion San Jose. We are grateful for their service and continued support.
past board members
Kerry Adams-Hapner
Dru Berkett
Lynne Brown
Laura Chmielewski
Jeff Current
Priya Das
Rudy Flores
Pat Frawley
Brian Grayson
Kelly Kline
Dan Lachman
Michael McDermand
Steve Polcyn
Jenn Protas
Brandon Racine
Anne Ralston
Lizzie Rock
Erin Salazar
Simeon Shigg
Brian Tran
Carlos Velazquez
Cecilia Zhong
Remembering Rick Holden
November 2, 1944 – April 10, 2024
Rick Holden was the heart and soul behind Levitt Pavilion San Jose’s opening act. From the very first note of this dream, Rick believed that free, live music could bring our community together and breathe new life into St. James Park.
He helped set the stage—serving on the Exploratory and Steering Committees, then stepping up as the founding Board Chair of Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose from 2016 to 2020. Rick had a hand in every part of the work, from growing the board to fundraising for the Levitt concert series. His energy, optimism, and belief in the power of music kept the rhythm going, even through the toughest measures.
Rick’s song lives on through everyone who continues this mission—to build community through music, joy, and connection. He’ll always be part of our melody: a true leader, a loyal friend, and Levitt San Jose’s biggest fan.
The Levitt Story
It all began with Mortimer Levitt—a son of struggling immigrant parents who became a successful retail entrepreneur. In the 1960’s, Levitt created a family foundation focused on youth and performing arts and built his first pavilion in Westport Connecticut. This project evolved into an innovative philanthropy program to help communities establish their own Levitt music venues. There are six Levitt pavilions today, from Arlington Texas, to Bethlehem Pennsylvania. All have played a transformational role in reinvigorating their host parks into a healthy “third space” serving the broader community.
