Howard Theatre to Reopen after 32 Years
The Howard Theatre reopens today, April 9, after a $29 million renovation and a 32-year hiatus. The historic arts landmark that launched the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes, announces the grand re-opening.
It will reopen with an opening lineup that includes Wale, Wanda Sykes, The Roots, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def), Meshell Ndegeocello, Bad Brains, Chuck Brown, Chuck Berry, Esperanza Spalding and a weekly Sunday Brunch featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir. The full schedule is available at www.thehowardtheatre.com.
On April 12, Howard Theatre Restoration (HTR), a non-profit formed in 2006 to raise funds for the restoration, will host a Grand Opening Gala Fundraiser featuring performers from The Howard Theatre’s past and future including Smokey Robinson, Al Jarreau, Madeleine Peyroux and Savion Glover.
The event will honor Motown Records founder and producer Berry Gordy, who will be in attendance, and kicks off the capital campaign for HTR, whose next charge is to build an educational center and museum behind the theatre.
The Howard Theatre will be operated by Blue Note Entertainment Group, the owners and operators of clubs and theaters around the world which include the Blue Note Jazz Club, B.B. King Blues Club and The Highline Ballroom in New York.
