Music Academy Spotlight: Creativity in Action

From the Waterfront Wednesday stage to behind-the-scenes festival experiences and fall break workshops, Amped Music Academy students are exploring their talents and discovering where creativity can take them.

Dustin Jackson Takes the Waterfront Stage

Amped Music Academy senior and Louisville Public Media Young Artist Showcase winner Dustin Jackson opened WFPK’s Waterfront Wednesday on September 23! The moment was even more special because Amped instructors Chyppe Crosby, Lance Oliphant, Matt Griffin, and Rodney Noble joined him onstage.

The Amped connections continued with the next act, Doom Gong, featuring staff members Matt Griffin and William Joiner. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our students and instructors!

Meet LPM’s Young Artist Showcase Winners

Behind the Scenes, Beyond the Classroom

What does it take to bring a major music festival to life? Twelve Amped students got an inside look during an exclusive tour of the &Beyond Music Festival, hosted by Danny Wimmer Presents.

For our third year attending, students joined eight parents and staff chaperones to explore festival production, logistics, and careers in live entertainment.

Students also received new music equipment courtesy of The Music Exchange and American Musical Supply—an exciting investment in their creative journeys!

Fall Break Filled with Creativity

School was out, but creativity was in! Youth ages 12–18 explored art, creative writing, DJing, and the music business during Amped’s fall break workshops.

With guidance from Tomisha Lovely-Allen, A’Taijah Burrus, DJ John Q, and Jon Woo, participants of all skill levels tried new creative outlets and built skills in small-group sessions. Each workshop welcomed 5–10 participants, and we look forward to making room for even more young creators in future sessions.

You Helped Us Surpass Our Goal!

Together, we raised $205,688 for Give for Good Louisville, exceeding our $200,000 goal! Thank you to all 126 donors and everyone who shared, encouraged, and supported Amped. Your generosity helps us continue creating opportunities in our community.

We love seeing Amped Business Accelerator alumni continue to grow, create, and make an impact in our community!

Jasmine Presley, a 2023 Amped Business Accelerator graduate, is celebrating a new location for her coworking business, The Presley Post. Join her for an open house this Thursday, October 22, from 5:30–7:30 PM at 635 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Louisville, KY.



The community is invited to explore the new space, connect, and celebrate this exciting milestone!

Amped Up! Your Support Makes the Difference

Become a Monthly Supporter!

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Why Choose Monthly Giving?


• Sustainable Impact: Your monthly contributions help us create long-term solutions and empower those we serve.
• Convenient Giving: Spread your support throughout the year with manageable monthly donations—just set it and forget it!

Dream Maker Awards 2026