MUSCATINE, Iowa–The evening of May 13, local sensation Eugene Levy will bring Second Street to life with their pop punk music and that of several other regionally acclaimed bands. An outdoor concert perfect for all ages, the band hopes to provide a night out to unite music lovers and bolster local businesses.
With the weather improving, Cameron Smith, the founder, and guitarist for Eugene Levy, found himself and the other band members looking for an opportunity to perform in their hometown. They chose to put on The Return of the Levy. “I think the idea was to create an all-age friendly event to bring the community together,” Smith explained.
May 13 from 6 to 10 p.m., The Return of the Levy will close Second Street from Pine to Chestnut Street to vehicle traffic, allowing them to set up an open-air stage for themselves, LOVESBLIND from Burlington, Gold Steps from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and When the Sun Sets from Chicago, Illinois to perform on. In between main acts, DJ Hey Zeus and a hip-hop group will perform, changing things up.
Along with the music, friends, and families can amuse themselves with cornhole games set up throughout. “Feel free to bring some buddies and play a few games or have a tournament,” Smith encouraged.
Regional artisans will create Vendors Row in the parking lot across from Skinny’s BBQ. With Major Ink Tattoo Studio selling shirts and koozies, Haney’s Cycles selling leather goods, and Cole Reed showing off his blacksmith creations, shoppers will find many unique items and merchandise from all the bands playing.
Eugene Levy performing at the Mississippi Valley Fair. Photo courtesy Eugene Levy.
For people looking for food and drink, many restaurants on Second Street will oblige them, including Capone’s, the KeDough Bakery, Pr%f Social, and Skinny’s BBQ. “We’re going to leave food and refreshments to all the restaurants on that block,” emphasized Smith.
A free event open to people of all ages, Smith believes the upbeat and lively sounds of the bands and the opportunities for socializing, shopping, and dining will draw many to Muscatine’s downtown for a good time. “It’s just not something you see very often, and we wanted to try it,” he said.
If the first Return of the Levy enjoys a good turnout, Smith would love to see it join the ranks of staple spring and summer events in Muscatine. He shared, “if this goes off well, we hope to make this an annual event in Muscatine.”
A very active band, Eugene Levy continues to perform all over. For those who cannot make it to The Return of the Levy, the band has plans to play in Davenport at Gypsy Highway on Sept. 30. They encourage fans to watch their website for additional tour updates, ensuring they never miss a show with this Muscatine favorite.
