Legendary Rock Palace The Capitol Theatre Celebrates 1000 Shows Since Reopening

On Saturday, May 20, “Original Rock Palace” The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY will celebrate 1000 shows since reopening in 2012 with a Dark Star Orchestrashow - tickets here. Attendees will receive a “1000th show” button, marking another important milestone for the legendary venue. Music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro revived and renovated the iconic theater 11 years ago, which has welcomed every artist imaginable since its inception, from The Rolling Stones & Brandi Carlile to Janis Joplin & Kacey Musgraves – a true hub of culture & community in the northeast. On September 4, 2012, the Capitol reopened its doors to one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Bob Dylan, kicking off a decade of unforgettable performances from Ringo Starr, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.

Last Fall, the 2,000-capacity venue hosted a season-long toast to its 10 year anniversary by organizing community gatherings throughout Port Chester, NY, charity events, and concerts. Continuing in the celebratory spirit, this March Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh performed at The Cap for both his 83rd birthday and his 100th show at the venue. In the same month Jimmy Fallon surprised audiences on stage during Goose’s run (Rolling Stone). 

Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead's 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra's members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations. "For us it's a chance to recreate some of the magic that was created for us over the years," keyboardist and vocalist Rob Barraco explains. "We offer a sort of a historical perspective at what it might have been like to go to a show in 1985, 1978 or whenever. Even for Deadheads who can say they've been to a hundred shows in the 90s, we offer something they never got to see live."

The Capitol Theatre’s "venue within the venue” Garcia’s (created in partnership with Jerry Garcia’s family) will also celebrate its ten year anniversary this May. You can expect performances by Finders Keepers, Mihali (of Twiddle), SoulShine, Liquorcake followed by Gimme Gimme Disco and Brown Eyed Women, and even a signature anniversary drink, the Cherry Jerry. Over the last ten years Garcia’s has presented an eclectic mix of exciting acts such as Dinosaur Jr., Black Pumas, Goose, Yola, Marcus King, Twiddle, Mihali, Melvin Seals, Warren Haynes, Orebolo, Keller Williams, Eric Krasno, Dopapod and many more. Tickets here.

Credit Scott Harris

ABOUT GARCIA’S:

In partnership with the family of Jerry Garcia, The Capitol Theatre christened it's adjoining venue as Garcia’s in honor of the late Grateful Dead guitarist and singer, Jerry Garcia, who counted the Port Chester, New York “rock palace” among his favorite venues in the country. The exclusive club features craft beers, wine and spirits by local producers. With a focus on community and a taste for musical exploration, Garcia’s, with Talent Buyer & Manager Josh Cohen at helm, hosts local and national bands weekly. 

ABOUT THE CAPITOL THEATRE:

Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre is located 30 miles from NYC, accessible via I-95 and the Port Chester Metro-North train station. The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” showcased legends such as Traffic, the Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Jerry Garcia called it one of his two favorite venues in the USA. In 2012, The Capitol Theatre underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. The New York Times raves: “A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as The Capitol is something to celebrate."

THE CAPITOL THEATRE ON THE WEB

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