Southwest Rockford has a new concert venue that fulfills a vision nearly 4 decades in the making
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Elbert Jordan came to Levings Park on Friday with a sheet of paper in his pocket from Nov. 14, 1986.
Written on it was a master plan for the park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., where Jordan started hosting talent showcases for local musicians, singers, dancers, poets and other aspiring artists nearly 40 years ago.
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Item No. 32 on that list had been left unchecked: “It says stage,” Jordan said. “I put an asterisk by it because I’ve been waiting 38 years to get this.”
On Friday, Jordan finally crossed that item off his list.
“I’ve been waiting all this time just for this,” he said. “God has blessed me to be here to see this day happen.”
The Rockford Park District on Friday unveiled the Levings Unity Pavilion, an 807-square-foot stage and timber structure that musicians and performers say will take their summer shows to a new level. It will be the home stage for the Live at Levings and Domingos En El Parque summer entertainment series.
The stage also includes two 165-square-foot dressing rooms that have air conditioning and heat.
“This stage is not just a platform for entertainment but a catalyst for change, bridging divides and fostering connections withing the community,” said David Spencer, the park district’s director of operations. “This stage will be a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of coming together. It will be a symbol of solidarity.”
The new pavilion was funded by Hard Rock Casino and Ringland-Johnson Construction, fulfilling a promise the casino made to the park district when it was selected as Rockford’s future casino nearly six years ago.
The park district hosted a musical celebration Friday to christen the stage. The kickoff was attended by local elected officials, Hard Rock executives, community advocates, performers and rock-and-roll royalty Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, who is also a Hard Rock investor.
“Hard Rock Casino Rockford is honored to be a part of this historic program at Levings Park,” said Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Casino Rockford. “The Sounds of Summer series has a rich 30-plus year history, and we are pitching in to help make the next 30 years even better.”
Mayor Tom McNamara, Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine, park board President Martesha Brown and Alderwoman Gabrielle Torina were among those to give credit to Jordan for his years of tireless advocacy for the park.
“Mr. Jordan, you set an example of what it looks like to not just see a problem, but to actively work toward a solution,” Torina said. “What you established will be honored in our city for years to come, and I’m overjoyed to give you your flowers while you can still smell them.”
They also thanked Hard Rock and Ringland-Johnson for bringing Jordan’s vision to fruition. It represents the largest community donation Ringland-Johnson has ever made, according to Brent Johnson, the chairman and CEO of Ringland-Johnson.
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Sandine noted the attention to detail Ringland-Johnson and Hard Rock made in the construction, including cutaways in the timber backdrop that provide a view of Levings Lake through the stage.
They also built a bigger dance floor out of concrete, so that it wouldn’t collect heat as fast as the previous asphalt lot, Sandine said.
The park is still home to the Live at Levings talent showcase that Jordan started in 1986. Today it’s directed by musician Harlan Jefferson.
Domingos en el Parque was founded by Armando Cardenas in 2002 to provide cultural entertainment for all ages. It’s run by Antonio Ramirez Jr. today.
Together, the two series create an atmosphere for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to enjoy, several speakers at Friday’s event said.
“The south side of Rockford has always had a unique spirit,” Torina said, “and with the completion of this pavilion the 5th Ward is shining brighter than ever.”
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This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
