The United Jazz Foundation, in partnership with the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department and the St. John School of the Arts, is one step closer to bringing a major new music initiative to the territory.

The coalition has advanced to the public voting phase for a national grant from the Levitt Foundation that could fund a multi-year series of free outdoor concerts across the Virgin Islands beginning in 2026.

If awarded, the Virgin Islands would receive up to $120,000 over three years to produce its own Levitt Music Series — staging between seven and ten concerts annually. Performances would be held in familiar gathering spaces such as Roosevelt Park and Joseph Aubain Ballpark on St. Thomas, Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park on St. John, and the Christiansted National Historic Site lawn on St. Croix.

Organizers say the concerts would spotlight emerging artists, celebrate local traditions, and showcase the global influence of Virgin Islands musicians. The effort is designed not only to expand access to live music but also to “activate” public spaces, creating inclusive destinations for families and neighbors to gather.

The Levitt Foundation, which supports the largest free outdoor concert series in the United States, emphasizes community-driven programming. That means the outcome now hinges on public support. Online voting runs from Sept. 5 through Sept. 15, with residents encouraged to cast their vote at levitt.org/vote or by texting USVIFORALL to 877-409-5525.

The Virgin Islands proposal is among dozens across the country vying for one of 50 available grants, with recipients to be announced in November.

The courts at the Tennis Club of St. Croix will come alive this week as players and spectators rally for the 4th Annual “Just Beat It” Tennis Tournament, a community fundraiser benefiting Cancer Support VI and the families it serves.

Set for Sept. 11–14, the tournament has grown into one of the island’s most spirited events, mixing competitive play with music, food, and camaraderie. Organizers hope to surpass last year’s total of $34,000 raised by setting a new fundraising goal of $50,000, all of which goes directly toward financial assistance and support for local cancer patients.

“This tournament reflects our mission that no one should fight cancer alone,” said Debbie Henry, a Cancer Support VI board member helping to organize the event. “We are all touched by cancer in some way, and the response we see each year shows how much this cause matters to the community.”

Open to all skill levels, this year’s tournament will feature Mixed Doubles A and B divisions, with registration still available online. Off the court, families and supporters can enjoy food from local vendors, special drink offerings, and entertainment that keeps the atmosphere festive well beyond match play.

The effort is backed by sponsors including St. Croix Cancer Specialists, Capture VI, St. Croix Vision Center, Island Delivery Service, Cane Bay Partners, and West Indies Company — with 100 percent of contributions directed to patient support.

Registration and details are available at www.cancersupportvi.com/calendar/stx-tennis-tournament-2025. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or volunteer inquiries, contact Cancer Support VI Director of Operations Anna Holley at anna.holley@cancersupportvi.org.

Since its founding 20 years ago, Cancer Support VI has distributed more than $5 million in assistance through 4,500 grants, helping ensure no patient in the Virgin Islands faces cancer alone.