Westchester County is going to get quite the show — or shows, rather. The New York Times reported that the legendary 1,800-seat Capitol Theater in Port Chester, where the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and Janis Joplin once performed, will reopen as a renovated venue next month — with some concerts already featuring bold-faced names already lined up. Over the past 10 years, the space had been used for meetings and as a rehearsal space for musicians.
Peter Shapiro — the founder of the Brooklyn Bowl — oversaw the theater’s $2 million renovation beginning last year. An arena-sized lighting system, advanced sound system and 10 high-definition projectors also factored into the cost. Ticket prices will cost anywhere from $20 to $200.
Capitol Theater has a long-term lease on the property, which Marvin Ravikoff, a local developer, owns.
Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla has heralded the renovation, claiming that having 130 annual events at the venue would be a boon to Port Chester businesses. “It’s a game changer for the downtown,” he told the Times.
So far, he has already lined up the Roots, Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Fiona Apple, Al Green and the Indigo Girls to play concerts this fall. The first show is scheduled for Sept. 4. The headliner’s name has not yet been released, though Shapiro told the Times it will be an “iconic artist.” [NYT] — Zachary Kussin