CUMBERLAND — Free live music is coming back to Canal Place this summer.
The Frostburg State University Cultural Events Series announced the lineup Thursday afternoon for the Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series, which brings free, family-friendly concerts to the city each week.
“I want to remind you that the series at its core is about access and connection,” CES director Melanie Moore said during the unveiling at Loft 129 on Baltimore Street. “So, every Thursday we can gather on the Canal Place lawn and the beautiful scenery of Cumberland and enjoy the music of some amazing artists.”
This will be the fourth year for the series, which will kick off June 25 with Chloe Kimes, an Americana, alternative country and roots artist, and end Aug. 27 with Holly Roller, a Southern rock band.
In between will be the high-octane funk and soul band Nappy Head Funk Army on July 2; C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band on July 9; ¡Tumbao!, a high-energy Latin fusion ensemble, on July 16; Indie-pop, punk and rock group The Foxies on July 23; bluegrass artists Greenwood Rye on July 30; jazz, soul and blues singer Shayna Steele on Aug. 6; Blue Water Highway, an Americana, folk-rock and roots band, on Aug. 13; and blues-rock, punk and folk singer Patter Pershayla on Aug. 20.
Each show begins at 7 p.m.
The lineup features a variety of musicians with a bit of something for everyone, organizers said. Each week will have a theme and organizers hope to feature a Levitt AMP “after hours” that will encourage increased community engagement, as well as for some local restaurants to stay open later.
Each concert will include activities and crafts for children. There will also be a small variety of food trucks each week.
USA Today named the series the sixth best outdoor concert series in the country, Larry Jackson of Loft 129 said.
The concert series is funded in part by the Levitt Family Foundation, a group dedicated to bringing music to oftentimes neglected spaces.
Cumberland is one of over 90 initiatives the Levitt Family Foundation funds and the only location in Maryland, Moore said.
“Every Thursday night, it becomes a space where everyone is welcome — families, students, visitors and no ticket required,” Moore said. “Everything is free. We’ve seen it become a true gathering place with people on blankets, neighbors discovering new music and spending time in our collective downtown.”
The 2026 Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series is supported by funding from Allegany County, City of Cumberland, Frostburg State University and Cumberland Arts and Entertainment District. The series is presented through the partnership of the Allegany Arts Council, CES at Frostburg State University, Loft 129, Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority and Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland.
For more information regarding the events, volunteer opportunities and donations visit https://www.frostburg.edu/cultural-events-series/levitt-amp/index.php.