Published on April 20, 2026
By Levitt Arlington Communications
The Levitt Pavilion’s signature free concert series will once again shine a light on the next generation of performers, as the Levitt Youth Spotlight returns for its third season in 2026 with expanded opportunities for young artists. The program is unique to the downtown Arlington live music destination and remains the only youth-focused initiative of its kind across the national Levitt network of performance venues.
This year’s Spotlight program will feature more performers, expanding beyond Friday nights to include select Saturday concerts. Youth Spotlight artists perform in the same or a complementary genre as the evening’s headline and opening act, offering an elevated concert experience for audiences while giving young performers a meaningful connection to the mainstage acts.
The first Youth Spotlight performers will debut during opening weekend April 24-25, ahead of headliners Uncle Lucius (Austin-based alt rock and Americana) and Jay Perez (Tejano hitmaker). Arlington-based singers Mason Engler, 18 and Natalia Vega, 9, will kick off the season, representing Young Stars & Guitars and Destiny Studio, respectively.
Engler will perform during Friday’s Americana and country evening, while Vega’s set will feature a country selection along with a Spanish-language rendition of “Oh Susana,” reflecting the genre-spanning range of the Levitt’s annual concert calendar.
Texas Trust Credit Union fuels expansion
The 2026 program is made possible through support from Texas Trust Credit Union, which joins the program as its inaugural presenting sponsor.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone expansion of the Youth Spotlight program with the support of Texas Trust, an organization that consistently demonstrates its commitment to community,” said Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington. “This program reflects our shared commitment to community, as well as the Levitt’s continued focus on innovation and support for performing arts and artists. It gives young artists a chance to grow, connect with new audiences and gain real-world experience—and you never know, someone in the crowd might one day say, ‘I saw them when they were just a kid at the Levitt.’”
Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust stated, “At Texas Trust, we believe in investing in the bright futures of our local youth and the vibrant culture of the communities we serve. The Levitt Youth Spotlight is a one-of-a-kind platform that gives young performers more than just a stage—it gives them the professional experience and confidence to chase their dreams. We are honored to fuel the expansion of this program and can’t wait to see these talented young artists shine in downtown Arlington this season.”
More about the program: Levitt Youth Spotlight provides young performers from Arlington, Mansfield, and now other areas of DFW with an opportunity to experience the full arc of a live music engagement—from booking, contract execution, and sound checks to performing on a professional stage. Participants, ages 6-22, are recommended by local music studios and school music teachers and selected through a submission process. Once chosen, artists prepare for and perform a live set ahead of the evening’s opening act.
“It’s an A-to-Z professional experience, which can be hard to come by for a young performer,” said Sarah Duke, owner of Destiny Studio, a program partner. “We were delighted when the Levitt first approached us about collaborating on this program.”
In addition to performing, Youth Spotlight artists receive a stipend and a professionally livestreamed recording of their performance, which can be used to promote future opportunities.
Last season, approximately 17 artists ages 10-20 participated in the program, in genres including country, rock, pop and more. With this year’s expansion, that number is expected to double.
Community partners for the Youth Spotlight program include: Destiny Studio, Cook Children’s Patient Ambassadors, and Young Stars and Guitars. This year, the program will expand to include outreach to the fine arts programs at Arlington and Mansfield school districts.
The Youth Spotlight program is part of Levitt Arlington’s 2026 concert season, which launches April 24 and features a genre diverse lineup of free live music performances through the spring, summer and fall. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Paid concessions are available from the Levitt’s food truck fleet.
The Levitt is located at 100 W Abram across from City Hall. For more information about Youth Spotlight, including the artist submission process, visit levittpavilionarlington.org/get-involved/perform. For the 2026 Levitt concert schedule, visit levittarlington.org.