Help Sandpoint win a $120K grant to expand the free outdoor Summer Music Series
September 6, 2025
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
When it comes to free, outdoor music concerts in Sandpoint, nobody does it better than Robb Talbott. The owner of Mattox Farm Productions has spearheaded the annual Sandpoint Summer Music Series, which gives Sandpointians four outdoor shows to enjoy free of charge at Farmin Park and outside The Heartwood Center (615 Oak St., in Sandpoint).
Now, if the public turns out to vote in favor of Mattox Farm Productions for a national grant they are applying for, we can enjoy many more free shows for years to come.
Mattox Farm Productions is joining forces with the Pend Oreille Arts Council to announce they’ve advanced to the public voting phase in the competition for a multi-year grant of up to $120,000 from the Levitt Foundation to keep the music playing in Sandpoint.
Thanks to support from the Levitt Foundation — a national social impact fund dedicated to music, public space and community building — POAC is vying to become a finalist to receive the Levitt Music Series Grant. The public is encouraged to show its support by voting online or via text from Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. to Monday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. at levitt.org/vote.
Sandpointians enjoy listening to a free outdoor concert at Farmin Park. Courtesy photo
Supported by the Levitt Foundation, this opportunity could provide up to $120,000 over three years (2026-’28) to fund a series of seven to 10 free outdoor concerts annually. If awarded, the grant would allow POAC and Mattox Farm Productions to expand Sandpoint’s Summer Music Series, which has been a community tradition for the past six years.
POAC has submitted a proposal to enhance and grow the current Summer Music Series by hosting additional free outdoor concerts at Farmin Park, located between Third Avenue and Main Street, in downtown Sandpoint.
The proposed series will feature a diverse lineup of professional musicians across multiple genres, activating an underutilized public space and creating an artistic destination for residents and visitors alike.
Sandpoint’s proposal is now posted on the Levitt Foundation website, where the community can learn more and cast votes. Each individual can vote once for up to five proposals — either online at levitt.org/vote or via text to 877-409-5525 using the keyword “Sandpoint.”
The number of votes received will influence the foundation’s final decision, which will be announced on Nov. 18.
“We are excited about the possibility of bringing even more free concerts to Sandpoint,” stated POAC Executive Director Tone Stolz. “While there are many opportunities to experience music in town, the cost can be a barrier for many families. Our goal is to create a vibrant, accessible space where everyone can enjoy live music without the expense.”
POAC and Mattox Farm Productions encourage everyone to spread the word within the community — invite families, friends, colleagues and neighbors to rally support by voting for Sandpoint’s proposal.
“Together, we can bring this exciting vision to life,” POAC and Mattox Farm wrote.
A voting kick-off party will take place Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m., featuring live music from The Whags, a Seattle Americana Jam Band, starting at 8 p.m. at Eichardt’s Pub (212 Cedar St., in downtown Sandpoint).
For more information and to cast your vote, visit levitt.org/vote.
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