Houston in the running for $25,000 live music grant

HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) – The Levitt Amp Music Grant would have a huge impact on Houston.

On a typical day, Houston’s Legion Lake attracts fishermen and those on a quick lunch break.

But the city-owned park could soon be the site for live music festivals.

Houston is one of 30 cities and towns nationwide competing for the $25,000 Levitt Amp Grant.

The matching grant would pay for a 10-week music festival in the summer.  If Houston wins, the concerts will be held at Legion Lake.

“With a tight-knit community like Houston, it will just be a lot of fun for everyone,” said Kirbi Dendy, who is a volunteer with the Chickasaw Development Foundation and a business owner.

The Levitt Amp grant will not only fund ten live music events at Legion Lake, but it will also increase awareness of development happening on the downtown square and it would also mean more customers for local businesses.

Grocer’s Pride is only a few blocks from Legion Lake.

Kirbi Dendy’s family has owned the store for more than thirty years. She believes a series of concerts could boost up the local economy.

“We constantly lose tourism dollars to other towns with bigger restaurants, different opportunities and this could keep that money and entertainment at home,” Dendy said.

Dendy has been one of the strongest promoters of the push to put Houston at the top of this election.

“I’m not just asking people to vote, I’m begging them to vote,  this is such a great opportunity, so please go vote for Houston Mississippi,” said Dendy.

Each person is allowed one online vote and you have until November 20 to cast your ballot.

Houston was number two in the rankings at last count. New Albany is the only other Northeast Mississippi city in the running for the Levitt Amp Grant.

To vote, click here.